Kavango West records reduction in GBV-related cases

NKURENKURU, 11 NOV (NAMPA) - The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kavango West Region from January to October this year reported 121 cases related to gender-based violence (GBV), compared to 145 reported during the same period last year.
Kavango West regional commander Julia Sakuwa-Neo in an interview with Nampa said the reduction is a result of intensified community awareness campaigns by NamPol and its stakeholders.
The GBV-related cases include rape, attempted rape, assault by threat, assault, and violation of a protection order and involve victims between four and 70 years old.
According to Sakuwa-Neo, five cases were withdrawn by complainants and 111 cases are still under investigation, with five investigations concluded and 92 people arrested.
"Most of the crimes occur when the parties are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some of the suspects beat their grandparents while demanding money, while others beat their partners as a result of alcohol and drug abuse. Fathers are turning on their daughters and raping them,” said Sakuwa-Neo.
The regional commander further stated that NamPol faces a lot of challenges when attending to GBV cases due to traditional and cultural beliefs. Many cases go unreported, while some people withdraw cases to instead follow the traditional way of resolving disputes.
“Young girls cohabitate with older men and end up in abusive relationships. Their parents or guardians turn a blind eye to the relationship of a minor with a man in their 40s or older as they believe it is their culture and it is normal. Parents give their underage girls to older men to get married. This could result in the arrest of the parents on a charge of rape, should such a man be convicted,” Sakuwa-Neo said.
She then appealed to the community and parents to ensure the protection of women, girls and boys by reporting any cases of GBV so that the police and other stakeholders can assist the victims.
(NAMPA)
JLN/EK/AS