Niël Terblanché
An investigation has been launched following reports of an alleged attempted kidnapping of a learner from Moses Garoeb Primary School in Windhoek earlier this week.
The Namibian Police confirmed that the Gender-Based Violence Unit’s social workers are interviewing the learner in the presence of her mother.
“The Police had to act, given the current situation of learners raped and killed in Okahandja, because we cannot overlook nor ignore such posts of threats to peace and security disruption,” said Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, head of the Police’s public relations division.
According to the learner, while walking from Havana to school along Monte Cristo Road, a white seven-seater vehicle followed her. At the three-way stop in Hakahana, the vehicle allegedly blocked her path.
Inside were two black men wearing black balaclavas. One of them told her that her mother had sent them to pick her up. She refused, saying her school was nearby. The man allegedly grabbed her from behind, but she says she headbutted him and bit his shoulder before escaping. She ran to school and reported the incident to a teacher.
“No arrests have been made yet, and the matter remains under investigation. We are appealing to anyone with information to please contact the Wanaheda Police Station,” said Shikwambi.
Police say there have been no further reports involving girls and the same vehicle since the initial incident. Shikwambi cautioned the public against spreading unverified information online.
“In the meantime, I also want to urge the public to please avoid speculating, commenting, and spreading unverified information further on social media because it is causing panic and havoc amongst society,” she said.
She urged the public to report suspicious behaviour directly to the Police.
“Our further appeal is to encourage the public to share information as soon as possible, even mere suspicious acts must be reported immediately to the Police as opposed to disseminating such information on social media platforms,” she added.
Shikwambi also called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children’s safety.
“Do not let them stray around or walk alone for long distances. They are your responsibility. Please do not neglect them and teach them to be vigilant and not to entertain strangers. Their lives matter, so let’s protect them,” she said.
