Allexer Namundjembo
The family of a seven-year-old learner at Bet-El Primary School in Windhoek plans to open a police case after the child was allegedly assaulted on the school premises last week.
The pupil was allegedly attacked by the father of another learner at the school.
According to the child’s parent, Magano Iikwambi, the incident occurred on Thursday while the boy was playing with other children at the school.
Iikwambi said her child sustained injuries to his private parts and experienced swelling in the genital area after the alleged assault. She said her child was taken to hospital for treatment and was discharged on Monday.
“He was beaten by a man who is only known to be a father to his friend. He was badly beaten and injured on his private parts,” Iikwambi said.
Iikwambi said the alleged perpetrator has not contacted the family since the incident.
“We were at the Katutura gender-based violence unit today [9 March], and we were told to open a case with the police. We did not yet open a case, but we will open a case later today,” she said.
Iikwambi said her son complained of pain after the incident.
“The whole night he was just crying. We therefore took him to the hospital,” she said during a telephonic conversation with the Windhoek Observer on Monday.
Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Emma Kantema condemned the alleged assault and described it as a violation of the child’s rights.
The incident reportedly followed a fight between two learners.
“This act constitutes a grave violation of the child’s rights and is prohibited under section 19 of the Child Care and Protection Act No. 3 of 2015, which criminalises any assault, ill-treatment, or neglect of a child by an adult,” Kantema said in a statement on Monday.
She said violence against a child cannot be justified and warned that those responsible will face the law.
“This is an unfolding matter, and the ministry is currently liaising with all parties involved to ensure swift action. Let us protect our children,” the minister said.
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Khomas regional chairperson Sem David has called for a full investigation into the incident.
“The case might be deeper than what we are hearing. The ministry should look carefully into the matter. The investigations should reveal how the child was beaten, and with what,” he said.
Efforts to reach the school principal were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
