The Okahao Magistrate’s Court on Friday denied bail to 20-year-old Amoni Iindongo for allegedly scalding an eight-year-old boy with boiling water after he caught the child stealing food from his house.

Iindongo allegedly also beat the child with an electric cord before pouring boiling water on him.

He now faces a charge of attempted murder, and his case was postponed to 6 June this year. 

It is suspected that the child stole food because he was hungry.

According to a source, the child stays with an elderly woman only, since he cannot stay with his father due to yet unexplained reasons.

Omusati regional police head, commissioner Ismael Basson, said the incident happened on Sunday last week at Okalale village in the Tsandi constituency.

“It is alleged that the child went to steal food from the neighbour’s house, and was caught by the suspect. The suspect allegedly beat the child all over the body with an electrical wire cable,” he explained.

He said Iindongo then boiled water in a kettle and poured it on the victim’s body, resulting in him sustaining serious wounds.  The boy is currently receiving medical attention at Okahao Hospital.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Another horrific case of child abuse came to light last year, despite all efforts taken by government and civil society to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children.

A 51-year-old man was arrested on charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and child abuse, read with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.

A 15-year-old girl allegedly endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of her uncle after being beaten, chained and left in the bush at Onekaku village, Oshikoto.

It is alleged that the suspect punched the victim with fists and kicked her all over her body before he placed a chain around her neck, and locked it with a padlock.

In Namibia, 41% of boys and 33% of girls experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence before they turn 18, according to a fact sheet produced by United Nations Foundation called Together for Girls.

The fact sheet states that both girls and boys in Namibia experience high rates of exploitation mostly occurring at home, school, and in the community.

It is reported that child abuse is a serious issue, and efforts to prevent and address it are crucial for the well-being of Namibia’s youth.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na