Ministry of Education Condemns Alleged Sexual Abuse Case at Grootfontein School Hostel
By TUW
The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has strongly condemned the alleged sexual abuse of learners at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School in Grootfontein, describing the incident as a serious violation of children’s rights and a betrayal of trust within the education system.
The condemnation follows the arrest of a male teacher attached to the school, Alexis Awaseb, who is accused of sexually molesting boys residing at the school hostel. The arrest reportedly took place last month, shortly after the suspect allegedly attempted to take his own life upon learning that he was under investigation.
According to information obtained from sources familiar with the matter, the most recent incident is alleged to have occurred on the night of 14 November 2025. At the time, Grootfontein was experiencing a prolonged power outage that extended beyond the learners’ bedtime. It is during this period that the teacher is accused of entering the bed of a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner in the hostel and making an inappropriate sexual request.
The learner is said to have resisted, after which the suspect allegedly touched him inappropriately. The boy reportedly managed to escape and hid under a fellow learner’s bed until morning.
The matter came to light the following day when the victim and his roommate spoke to other hostel learners. During these discussions, another Grade 7 learner allegedly revealed that he had been sexually abused by the same teacher on multiple occasions since 2023, starting when he was only 11 years old and in Grade 5. The learner claimed the abuse had happened approximately 13 times over the years.
One of the affected learners allegedly requested to use the hostel matron’s phone to contact his parents. This prompted the parents of the latest victim to travel to Grootfontein, remove their child from the hostel, and formally report the matter to the police, leading to the opening of a criminal case.
It is further alleged that the suspect had been residing at the school hostel since 2021. Sources also claim that the hostel had previously recorded incidents of sexual misconduct among learners, including reports of inappropriate sexual behaviour during school activities and trips, raising broader concerns about supervision and child protection within the facility.
After becoming aware that a case had been opened against him, Awaseb allegedly fled the hostel and later attempted suicide. He was subsequently apprehended and is now facing investigation by law enforcement authorities.
In response to the case, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it is working closely with the Namibian Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. The ministry has emphasized that safeguarding learners remains a top priority and that any educator found guilty of abusing learners will face the full consequences of the law, including dismissal and criminal prosecution.
The ministry has also called on school management, hostel supervisors, parents, and communities to remain vigilant and to immediately report any form of abuse or suspicious behaviour. Plans are reportedly underway to review hostel safety measures, strengthen child protection policies, and provide psychosocial support to affected learners.
