Do not negotiate rape cases, police chief warns parents

By: Staff Reporter

Namibian Police inspector-general Joseph Shikongo has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians to desist from negotiating rape cases in exchange of financial gain. Shikongo said sexual offences are serious and should not be settled privately. 

Shikongo also urged parents to report cases immediately so that proper legal action can be taken.  

He made the remarks while speaking at the second annual Namibia National Women’s Conference at Helao Nafidi Business Expo hall in Ohangwena Region. 

 The event was organised by Omulunga radio’s Fillemon  Amoolongo also known as DJ Munene. 

“You are negotiating abuse committed against your child for gratification. There are legal procedures in place to protect victims; and you may find a situation where a child has been sexually violated, and the parents are leading the discussion. 

Do not negotiate rape cases unless there is no proper action that has been taken,” remarked Shikongo. 

In addition, he urged parents to immediately open rape cases so that necessary actions—such as investigations and the collection of evidence—can be carried out without delay.

“You will even find a child who has been raped and a case is only reported after ten days or three months that is when a case is opened-please report rape cases immediately, said Shikongo. 

Speaking at the same event, Police head of gender-based violence protection division Deputy Commissioner Cathrine Walaula also warned women against falsely giving one child to several fathers. 

Walaula said women could face legal consequences.  

“Women falsely give one child to several fathers deliberately – but the law will change and hold women accountable. Next month, the police will visit Outapi to  engage men, encouraging  them to seek legal redress rather than killing women.

Walaula further stated that if a man is arrested for assaulting a woman, then women who lie about being pregnant or about the paternity of a child should also face legal consequences, as such actions may violent reactions.

Police recorded a totalled of 4089 GBV cases   during 2024/2025 financial year.  Among these, cases of assault GBH totalled 1285 while 467 have been reported for far this year.