'Iri Ivari' behind bars for rape

TUYEIMO HAIDULAOSHAKATILucas Tsamseb, better known as Iri Ivari, and three co-accused yesterday made their first appearance before the Tsumeb Magistrate's Court on charges of gang-raping an 18-year-old girl.The incident took place in Oshivelo's Damara Location area on New Year's Day.Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said the police had to open a case on behalf of the complainant after she refused to do so.The ages of the accused range from 14 to 21.Tsamseb and one of the co-accused, whose age is also above 18, were granted bail of N$2 000 each. The two minors were released into the care of their parents until their next court appearance on 16 March. Social media starTsamseb rose to fame when Namibians started sharing videos of him on social media. Without any national documents to verify his age when he rose to social media stardom, a dentist was roped in through the health ministry to conduct a dental age assessment. His age was estimated to be between 17 and 21. The ministry of gender equality and child welfare last year enrolled Tsamseb at Ondera Primary School in the Oshikoto Region, but efforts to keep him grounded are seemingly failing. The public was also blamed for Tsamseb's conduct, with his former teacher, Leena Nakatana, accusing grown-ups of buying alcohol for him.This, she said, was mainly done so that they could take videos and photos of Tsamseb which then made their way onto social media platforms.Nakatana told Namibian Sun yesterday that she condemned the alleged rape. “He is safer in jail as there are currently no classes going on and when he is outside there is alcohol exploitation.“He was number seven in class when the results came out. His English and mathematics had the best grades,” she said.tuyeimo@namibiansun.com

'Iri Ivari' behind bars for rape

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-15

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'Iri Ivari' behind bars for rape

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-15

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