Minors brutally assault child
Ministry denounces 'barbaric' violence
The young child has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering well.
A widely circulated video shows the shocking assault of a five-year-old girl by her three cousins, aged six, eight and 12.
The incident allegedly took place at her aunt and uncle's home in the Eiseb Block settlement in the Omaheke Region in July.
The child has since been removed from the house and placed in the care of her mother, gender equality ministry spokesperson Lukas Haufiku has confirmed.
Haufiku, who condemned the actions of the three minors, stated that the incident reportedly occurred at the end of July, and the child has since been discharged from the hospital.
He said the girl is in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
Minor perpetrators
Haufiku emphasised that the "barbaric" act is prohibited by the Child Care and Protection Act, but that children under the age of seven cannot be held criminally accountable.
"They can be held liable if the case can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The developmental stages and other factors are also considered in this regard," Haufiku said.
He said the ministry strongly condemns this act of violence and the abuse the minor suffered at the hands of her own relatives.
"The ministry is however mindful that while the affected parties, including the aunt, victim and perpetrators, are receiving psychosocial support, it is crucial to bear in mind that the perpetrators are also minors, underscoring the need to assist them in comprehending the consequences of their actions," Haufiku said.
Unclear circumstances
He added that during a visit to the house by the social workers, it was not easy to establish if the minors understood the consequences of their actions when they committed the crime. Haufiku said the ministry will continue monitoring and offering support to both families.
"The ministry hereby warns the public to refrain from committing similar acts of this nature, as it might lead to serious consequences for the perpetrators," Haufiku said.
If anyone suspects child abuse in their area, it is advised to report it to the Childline helpline at 106, the Namibian Police at 10111, or any nearby gender ministry office.
The incident allegedly took place at her aunt and uncle's home in the Eiseb Block settlement in the Omaheke Region in July.
The child has since been removed from the house and placed in the care of her mother, gender equality ministry spokesperson Lukas Haufiku has confirmed.
Haufiku, who condemned the actions of the three minors, stated that the incident reportedly occurred at the end of July, and the child has since been discharged from the hospital.
He said the girl is in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
Minor perpetrators
Haufiku emphasised that the "barbaric" act is prohibited by the Child Care and Protection Act, but that children under the age of seven cannot be held criminally accountable.
"They can be held liable if the case can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The developmental stages and other factors are also considered in this regard," Haufiku said.
He said the ministry strongly condemns this act of violence and the abuse the minor suffered at the hands of her own relatives.
"The ministry is however mindful that while the affected parties, including the aunt, victim and perpetrators, are receiving psychosocial support, it is crucial to bear in mind that the perpetrators are also minors, underscoring the need to assist them in comprehending the consequences of their actions," Haufiku said.
Unclear circumstances
He added that during a visit to the house by the social workers, it was not easy to establish if the minors understood the consequences of their actions when they committed the crime. Haufiku said the ministry will continue monitoring and offering support to both families.
"The ministry hereby warns the public to refrain from committing similar acts of this nature, as it might lead to serious consequences for the perpetrators," Haufiku said.
If anyone suspects child abuse in their area, it is advised to report it to the Childline helpline at 106, the Namibian Police at 10111, or any nearby gender ministry office.
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