Three rapes in Erongo

The extent of gender-based violence in the Erongo region is uphauling. The reality of this problem is highlighted once more by the fact that three women fell victim to rapists in the Region the past week. These are only the known cases.

A case of rape was opened against a stepfather who repeatedly raped his mentally handicapped step daughter. The 62-year-old man raped his mentally impaired stepdaughter on numerous occasions this year. Reginald Wesley Manas, the accused, allegedly raped the defenseless 24-year-old woman on several occasions while in Windhoek and Rehoboth. Manas was arrested and he appeared in the Walvis Bay magistrate’s court on 25 July. He was released on N$2 000 bail.
At Otjimbingwe, Karibib district, a man was charged with one count of rape and a second charge of attempted rape. The 50-year-old Leonard Gertze is accused of having allegedly coerced a 13-year-old learner to have sexual intercourse with him in 2018. According to police reports, Gertze also allegedly attempted to undress the same victim in May this year.
The suspect was arrested and appeared before a Karibib magistrate yesterday.
In another incident, a 36-year-old woman fell victim to rape when she was attacked on her way home from work in Usakos on Saturday morning. Police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu confirmed the incident. Although the suspect is known, he is still on the run.