Woman denied bail over alleged abuse, forced work of 15-year-old Angolan teen

Selma Daniel (62) was denied bail on Monday when she appeared at Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court over allegations of forcing a 15-year-old Angolan girl into unpaid labour and severely abusing her.

Daniel faces charges related to human trafficking, contravening the Child Care and Protection Act, and multiple counts of child abuse, neglect and abandonment.

The alleged abuse and forced labour took place in Oshiyagaya village in the Onyaanya constituency of the Oshikoto Region.

The court heard that Daniel allegedly subjected the teenage girl to repeated abuse since mid-2025, after the teenager began working for her as a domestic worker.

The survivor, who is currently receiving treatment at a state hospital, was allegedly frequently starved, forced to work without rest and made to sleep on the floor in a shack without a door.

The court also heard that the minor was allegedly assaulted with a stick on several occasions and was promised a monthly salary of N$500, which she allegedly never received.

Interest of justice

State prosecutor Wisdom Ndakondja argued in court that granting bail would not be in the interest of justice while investigations are still ongoing.

Magistrate Lydia Kambonde ordered that Daniel remain in custody at Okatope Police Station and postponed the matter to 19 August for further police investigations and legal aid arrangements.

Daniel initially indicated she would represent herself but later decided to apply for legal aid after Kambonde cautioned her that, if convicted, the offences carry severe penalties, including a fine of up to N$1 million or a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

She told the court that she cares for minor children and an adult and needs to be granted bail. Kambonde advised her to submit a formal bail application.

Tragic story

The case came to public attention after a video shared on social media by Facebook user Johannes John showed villagers questioning the frail teenager, who had reportedly just fled the Daniel’s house.

She told the group that the woman had brought her to the house one year ago.

"I work in the field on her farm,” the minor said in the video, adding that she had not been paid for her work since arriving.

“I work without rest. I want to return home,” she told the villagers.

"I left home to come and work. My parents know that I left home to look for work, but they do not know about my situation,” she added.