Windhoek: A man from Lderitz has appeared in the Windhoek High Court for allegedly repeatedly raping a minor girl who was a flower girl at his wedding in 2016. The State alleges that the incidents took place at the suspect's home on various occasions between 2020 and October 2021, with the suspect allegedly threatening to kill the girl if she reported the events.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the court was informed that the victim is a niece to the suspect's wife, and was eight years old when the incidents allegedly began. The suspect has pleaded not guilty to the charges at the start of his trial.

The girl's father testified that his daughter has been living with him since 2021, after she reported the alleged rape. Previously, she had been living in the suspect's house. He recounted that another child who lived with the suspect and the victim informed him in late 2021 that the victim and another child wanted to attend school in northern Namibia.

The father stated that upon questioning his daughter about her desire to go to school in the north, she tearfully revealed that the suspect had threatened her not to disclose the incidents. He further testified that the other child mentioned that the uncle had been 'playing' with the victim.

After learning of the situation, the father took both children to the hospital. Initially, the doctors saw no need for an examination, but after a visit to the police station, they were advised to return to the hospital for tests. It was revealed that only his daughter had been raped.

The father testified that following the revelation, he removed his daughter's belongings from the suspect's home and moved her to his house. He noted that his daughter was traumatised, often waking up screaming and shouting the suspect's name.

The victim's mother also testified, stating that her daughter had informed her of the alleged incidents, and confirmed that the child had been living with the couple since 2016.

The trial continues before Judge Eileen Rakow, with Eva Nangolo representing the suspect and Palmer Khumalo representing the State.