A Gobabis police officer has been accused of raping a teenager (13) at Gobabis on 21 July after allegedly luring her to his home.
Renatus Shoombe (56) allegedly called the girl to his house to collect N$5 before raping her.
He made his first appearance in the Gobabis Magistrate’s Court on 24 July, where he was formally charged with rape.
The state objected to his bail application due to the seriousness of the offence and fear of interference with investigations as the suspect is a police officer.
Shoombe is remanded in custody at Gobabis Police Station and the case has been postponed to 26 October for further investigation.
A source close to the victim says Shoombe’s girlfriend allegedly caught him in the act.
“The girlfriend told the girl to report the matter to her mother,” the source says.
The source says the victim’s family members were not present at Shoombe’s first court appearance.
“The victim’s family was not informed of the date of the appearance. She was only informed after the suspect appeared in court alone without their knowledge,” the source says.
The victim’s relative, whose identity cannot be revealed to protect the minor, says she is living in fear.
“Shame on all men who violate innocent little girls,” she says.
The relative says the police are mandated to uphold the rule of law, maintain security and protect people.
She says when law-enforcement officials are accused of abusing children and violating their dignity, it raises serious concerns for the country.
“The nation is in trouble,” she says.
The court explained Shoombe’s right to legal representation and informed him of his right to bring a formal bail application in line with the Criminal Procedure Act.
