Kidnapping of schoolgirl fails
The Namibian Police (Nampol) is investigating a case of an alleged attempt to kidnap a schoolgirl from Moses Garoeb Primary School in Windhoek.
Nampol’s chief spokesperson, adj. comm. Kauna Shikwambi, confirmed yesterday that a case of attempted kidnapping has been opened.
Following information circulated on social media regarding an alleged attempt to kidnap pupils at the school on Wednesday, Nampol has launched an investigation, “particularly into the alleged incident of the Moses Garoeb pupil,” Shikwambi said.
“The police had to act, given the current situation of schoolgirls who were raped and murdered in Okahandja because we cannot overlook or ignore such posts of security disruption and threats to peace,” she added.
Shikwambi said social workers from Nampol’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Unit were involved and interviewed the victim in the presence of her mother.
“According to the report, the schoolgirl was on her way to school when she noticed a white seven-seater vehicle following her from Havana on Monte Christo Road. When she reached the three-way stop at Hakahana before she was about to turn off to school, the car allegedly drove in front of her,” Shikwambi explained.
“The driver and a passenger were both black men wearing black balaclavas. One approached her and said in English that her mother had sent them to take her to school, the girl said. She then refused, saying that the school was nearby.
“He allegedly jumped out and grabbed her from behind. She managed to headbutt him and bite his shoulder before he let go. She managed to escape and ran into the school where she informed the teacher,” the report states.
“We appeal to anyone with information to contact the Wanaheda police station,” Shikwambi requested.
As of noon yesterday, no one had been taken into custody and no further information had been gathered about missing girls who were also reportedly seen in the vehicle, she confirmed.
Shikwambi encourages the public to share information as soon as possible, “even mere suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately, instead of spreading such information on social media platforms”.
The police spokesperson also appeals to the public not to spread speculation, comment on it, or spread unverified information further on social media: “It sows panic and chaos in society. We are already dealing with complicated and disturbing matters. We need the public’s support on all fronts.”
The latest incident follows two recent cases of the kidnapping, rape and murder of two young girls in Okahandja and the rape and murder of a teenage girl.
Shikwambi further pleads with parents: “Protect your children, do not let them wander or walk long distances alone. They are your responsibility. Please do not neglect them and teach them to be vigilant and not to talk to strangers.” - [email protected]