Police in the Kavango West Region have arrested a 26-year-old Angolan national after he allegedly entered into a traditional marriage with a 14-year-old girl at Ncaute village.
According to the police, the suspect had been cohabiting with the girl, who is a Grade 5 pupil, under the arrangement of what was described as a “traditional marriage.”
Law enforcement officials also confirmed the arrest of the victim’s mother, who is being treated as an accomplice in the matter. The woman is accused of having consented to or facilitated the unlawful union.
Both the suspect and the mother are expected to appear in court tomorrow to face charges related to child marriage and the contravention of laws protecting minors.
The police have since reminded the public that child marriages are illegal in Namibia, stressing that such practices violate the rights of children and expose them to abuse and exploitation.
