By Mohamed Ghani
Grootfontein, Namibia – A British national has been arrested in Namibia and faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation, after allegedly sexually molesting minors and taking nude photographs of them. Douglas Robert Brook, 65, is accused of targeting young boys and girls from the indigenous San community in the Otjozondjupa region of central Namibia.
According to local media reports, Brook, who arrived in Namibia last week for a holiday, was apprehended on Sunday after allegedly luring 34 children with sweets and money to take their photos while they were naked.
Regional Police Chief Maureen Mbeha told state media that the tourist sexually abused 16 teenage girls and 14 boys. Nude photographs of the children were reportedly discovered on Brook’s camera, which was confiscated by police following his arrest.
The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism has condemned the alleged actions, calling them “deeply disrespectful to the cultural heritage of the San community.”
“It is unacceptable for any visitor, foreign or local, to exploit or objectify indigenous communities or their children for any purpose, including photography,” the ministry said in a statement cited by InformantĂ© newspaper.
Brook appeared in the Grootfontein Magistrate court on Tuesday, where he was denied bail and remanded in custody. The Namibia Press Agency reported that the case has been postponed to next month at the request of the state prosecutor, who requires more time for investigations.
“The tourist remains in police custody,” Information Minister Emma Theofelus told the BBC.
The UK embassy in Namibia stated that it has “no information beyond what has been reported in the media.”
Namibia is a popular tourism destination known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This incident has sparked outrage in the country, highlighting the vulnerability of indigenous communities to exploitation by tourists.
