A British citizen, 65-year-old Douglas Robert Brook, was arrested in Namibia under serious allegations of child exploitation and molestation. The police report states that Brook targeted young boys and girls from the indigenous San community located in the central Otjozondjupa region.
According to local news outlets, Brook is currently facing 38 separate charges, which include rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation. He reportedly arrived in Namibia only a week prior to his arrest and is alleged to have lured as many as 34 minors with sweets and money to take nude photographs of them.
Regional police authorities, including Maureen Mbeha, disclosed that Brook had sexually abused 16 girls and 14 boys. After his arrest, officers confiscated a camera from him, which was said to contain some of the illicit photographs in question. Brook made his first appearance at the Grootfontein Magistrate Court near Windhoek, where he was denied bail and will remain in custody as investigations continue into his activities.
Namibia's Information Minister Emma Theofelus confirmed the arrest and indicated that the case would be postponed until next month to allow for further inquiry. The UK embassy in Namibia has not commented extensively beyond the media reports regarding the incident.
In a statement, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism condemned the actions of the tourist, expressing that they are "deeply disrespectful" to the San community's cultural heritage. The ministry emphasized the unacceptability of exploiting or objectifying indigenous communities, stating that such actions should not occur for any purpose, including photography. Namibia is known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich cultural history, making this case particularly alarming for local authorities.
