Health ministry faces N$3m civil claim over late teen’s alleged hospital assault

The mother of an 18-year-old who was allegedly raped while in a coma four years ago is suing the health ministry for N$3 million in damages for trauma, pain and suffering.The woman, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the alleged victim, says health authorities failed in their duty to safeguard her son while he was in the care of Katutura Intermediate Hospital, where the alleged assault is said to have taken place. A trainee medical doctor, Dennis Noa, was initially convicted of rape in January 2024 in connection with the case. However, two judges of the Windhoek High Court overturned the conviction in November 2024, clearing him of all charges. According to the mother’s lawsuit, her son was admitted to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a car accident in April 2021.He remained there until August 2021 in a vegetative state, receiving specialised medical care, and eventually died from the injuries he sustained during the accident.No response The grieving mother’s lawyer, Profysen Muluti, sent a letter to the health ministry’s executive director, Penda Ithindi, in May to notify the ministry of possible legal action. According to court documents, the letter was “neither acknowledged nor responded to.”The letter of demand states that the woman’s son was left unattended in a vegetative state at Katutura State Hospital on 11 April 2021, creating an opportunity for harm.It further alleges that medical staff failed to exercise due care, resulting in the alleged assault and ongoing emotional trauma for the mother.rita@nmh-hub.com.na

Health ministry faces N$3m civil claim over late teen’s alleged hospital assault

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-12

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Health ministry faces N$3m civil claim over late teen’s alleged hospital assault

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-12

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