Robert Brook Douglas, a 65-year-old British national, appeared in the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday following his arrest at the Grashoek Living Museum in Tsumkwe, where he is accused of serious offenses involving minors from the San community.
Douglas faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, human trafficking, crimen injuria, child labour, exploitation of minors, and multiple violations of the Child Care and Protection Act 3 of 2015, in conjunction with the African Charter and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Magistrate Abraham Abraham presided over the case, with state representation by Prosecutor Erastus Christian. The accused has been remanded in custody pending further investigations.
According to a police report issued by Otjozondjupa Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, Senior Inspector Maureen Mbeha, Douglas is alleged to have taken inappropriate photographs of 34 minors and is accused of unlawfully touching several of them. The alleged victims include 16 girls, 14 boys, and three other minors. Police reportedly confiscated a camera containing some of the images at the Maroelaboom Police Station. Authorities confirm that Douglas entered Namibia on 15 May 2025 as a tourist.
The case has been postponed to 19–20 June 2025 to allow for further investigation.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism issued a strong condemnation, highlighting that the reported actions not only violate Namibian law but also deeply disrespect the cultural integrity of the San community.
“The Ministry stands firm in its commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children, as outlined in Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution on respect for human dignity,” said Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, the ministry’s public relations officer. “It is completely unacceptable for any individual whether foreign or local to exploit or objectify members of indigenous communities, especially children, under any circumstances, including photography.”
Hamunyela emphasized the importance of ethical tourism, urging all tour operators, guides, and visitors to familiarise themselves with responsible tourism guidelines and to engage respectfully with local communities.
“Tourism in Namibia must promote cultural understanding, mutual respect, and inclusive development—not serve as a platform for exploitation,” she stated.
The Ministry further encouraged the public to report any such violations to the appropriate authorities and commended the Namibian Police Force for their swift response.
“We are confident that justice will be served,” Hamunyela concluded.
