NAMIBIA — Namibian authorities have arrested 65-year-old British national Douglas Robert Brooks on charges of rape, indecent assault, child exploitation, human trafficking, and crimen injuria involving 33 San tribal children.
Brooks was taken into custody May 18, 2025, at the Ju’/Hoansi Living Museum near Grashoek in northeastern Namibia. His arrest came after concerned parents raised alarms during his third consecutive visit to the cultural heritage site.
According to investigators, Brooks allegedly offered sweets to the children in exchange for nude photographs and inappropriate touching. The reported victims include 16 teenage girls, 14 teenage boys, and three younger children.
Brooks appeared before the Grootfontein Magistrates Court on May 19, where he did not enter a plea. He remains in custody pending a court appearance scheduled for June 19.
The Ju’/Hoansi Living Museum, managed by the Living Culture Foundation Namibia, is part of a cultural preservation initiative that allows tourists to observe and participate in traditional San practices. The museum prohibits the distribution of sweets to children due to health risks and encourages donations for equitable community benefit.
The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism condemned the alleged abuse, calling it a serious breach of national laws protecting minors. Officials commended local law enforcement for their swift action and reaffirmed their commitment to justice.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of growing concerns over child exploitation in Namibia. In January 2025, Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo reported a spike in cases involving child sexual abuse, including online materials, and emphasized the need for public vigilance.
Between January 2021 and December 2023, Namibian police investigated 28 child trafficking cases involving minors, often with cross-border dimensions that complicate prosecution. Authorities continue to call on communities to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and women.
The charges against Brooks reflect broader systemic challenges and reinforce the urgency of protecting Namibia’s most at-risk populations.
According to GhanaWeb, the case has intensified calls for stronger international cooperation on child protection and ethical tourism.
