Teacher denied bail over alleged rape of niece (13)

A 38-year-old Kavango East teacher was denied bail in the Rundu Magistrate's Court on Monday after being charged with the alleged rape of his 13-year-old niece.

Alexander Shampampi, a teacher at Ncwa Junior Primary School, appeared before Magistrate Selma Shiiga after reportedly evading arrest for more than two weeks before surrendering himself to the Ndiyona Police Station on Sunday.

The alleged offence occurred on 19 May near Makena Village in the Ndiyona constituency, where Shampampi is accused of unlawfully engaging in a sexual act with the minor.

Public prosecutor Sylvia Pinehas opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and the likelihood that the accused could abscond.

Magistrate Shiiga postponed the matter to 3 September to allow Shampampi to apply for legal aid.

The allegations have left the family reeling, with relatives describing the alleged incident as deeply distressing and difficult to comprehend.

Family spokesperson Londo Cervatius told Namibian Sun on Monday that the family is united in its call for justice and has no intention of shielding the accused from the legal process.

"We have mixed emotions, but there is no one we want to protect or cover for. We want justice to take its course," Cervatius said.

He said the family was particularly troubled by the allegations because the accused is a teacher entrusted with the care and wellbeing of children.

"As a teacher, he knows right from wrong. He is entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and protecting young people, which makes these allegations deeply disturbing for us as a family," he said.

Law must take its course

Cervatius emphasised that the family considers the matter a serious criminal case that must be allowed to proceed without interference.

"Rape is a crime on its own. Whether it is reported by the family or anyone else, once it comes to light, it becomes a matter for the State. We believe the law must take its course," he said.

While the criminal case proceeds, Cervatius said the family's immediate focus remains on the child's well-being and recovery.

Relatives reported the alleged rape to the police shortly after the girl informed them, after which the child was referred for medical evaluation and counselling.

"The child was taken to hospital for the necessary examinations and was later placed under the care of a social worker for counselling," Cervatius said.

She has attended follow-up appointments at the hospital and continues to receive psychosocial support.

"The last visit was with the social worker last week, and there are further follow-up appointments scheduled later this month. We are doing everything we can to ensure the child receives the care and support she needs during this difficult time," he said.

He added that the family hopes the case will encourage victims and relatives to report allegations of sexual violence promptly and seek support through the appropriate channels.