Health ministry acts against Noa over alleged rape

Health ministry acts against Noa over alleged rape

The health ministry has initiated internal administrative action against an Onandjokwe Hospital medical doctor who appeared yesterday at the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court on a charge of rape, saying the allegations are incompatible with the ethical standards expected of healthcare professionals.

In a statement, the ministry said it treats the allegations against 31-year-old Dr Dennis Iipumbu Noa "with the utmost seriousness", describing them as "deeply concerning" and fundamentally inconsistent with the professional conduct and values expected of health workers.

Although the Namibian Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the allegations, the ministry said it has activated its own internal processes in line with the Public Service Act and applicable regulations.

"The ministry condemns all forms of sexual violence and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful and professional healthcare environment for patients, staff members and the public," it said.

Noa made his initial appearance before magistrate Nelao ya France on Monday.

The State, represented by prosecutor Aina Magano Mwaala, opposed bail, arguing that it has a strong case and that releasing Noa could jeopardise the investigation through possible interference with witnesses. The prosecution also raised concerns that he could abscond, given the seriousness of the charge and the potential sentence if convicted.

The court was informed that the investigation is still at an early stage, with police yet to obtain six witness statements, compile a photo plan and secure three forensic reports.

Presumed innocent until guilty

Defence lawyer Allan Homela argued that Noa should be granted bail, saying he is a medical doctor whose services are needed.

He urged the court to uphold his client's constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Ya France postponed the matter to 17 July for a formal bail application and remanded Noa in custody. The case was further postponed to 29 October to allow police to complete their investigation.

The rape charge against Noa comes less than two years after he successfully overturned an earlier rape conviction involving an 18-year-old patient at Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek.

In November 2024, the High Court set aside both his conviction and eight-year prison sentence, finding that the State had failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt and that key forensic evidence did not support the prosecution's case. The court ordered his immediate release.

The new case is unrelated to the earlier matter, which stemmed from allegations dating back to April 2021.