Aroab farmers rally against bail for alleged rapist (19)

Members of the Aroab Farmers’ Association (BV) gathered at the circuit court in the southern town on Wednesday to oppose bail for a 19-year-old man accused of raping a 61-year-old woman on her farm last Sunday.Farmers and residents handed over a petition during the court appearance of Joslen Jean Otto, who faces charges of rape, theft and obstruction of justice.Otto remains in custody in the town’s holding cells. His case was postponed to 20 September for further police investigation and to allow him to apply for legal aid.According to a farmers&#039; association member who was at court for an unrelated livestock theft matter, Otto previously slaughtered sheep on their farm and had already served a prison sentence for stock theft.“He was jailed for six months and got out in March. He’s one of the dagga runners. They slaughter sheep and sell cuts like a leg of lamb for just N$80 to get dagga. They mix the dagga with Mandrax,” said the farmer, who asked not to be named.“It’s the same story over and over again, never-ending. There was slaughtering on Saturday and then the attack [on the victim] happened on Sunday. We’re tracking footprints every second day.”Work historyStock theft is a major issue in the area, with “farmers having to install cameras, but the thieves find ways to avoid them”.The farmer added that Otto had reportedly worked as a casual labourer on the victim’s farm last year. She was attacked on Sunday night at her home while her husband was on a hunting trip.According to the police, N$5 000 in cash was stolen.“He allegedly also took alcohol, marshmallows and biscuits. The police said he’s not considered a violent person, but the victim has bruises from being pushed around,” the farmer claimed.Local farmers and community members are standing firmly behind the victim, whose husband and son have returned to support her following the traumatic incident. Otto&#039;s arrest followed a joint manhunt between police and community members after he had fled into the nearby mountainous terrain. He was arrested in Aroab at around 03:00 on Monday.– francoise@nmh.com.na

Aroab farmers rally against bail for alleged rapist (19)

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-03

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Aroab farmers rally against bail for alleged rapist (19)

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-03

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