A British national has been arrested in Namibia on allegations of sexually molesting minors and taking nude photographs of them during a holiday in the central Otjozondjupa region. Douglas Robert Brook, 65, was taken into custody on Sunday and now faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation.
According to Namibian police, the accused is alleged to have targeted children from the indigenous San community. Authorities said Brook reportedly lured at least 34 minors, including 16 girls and 14 boys, by offering sweets and money in exchange for nude photographs.
Court Appearance and Ongoing Investigation
Brook appeared before the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he was denied bail. The case has been postponed to allow further investigation.
“The tourist remains in police custody,” Namibia’s Information Minister Emma Theofelus told the BBC.
Police say they confiscated a camera allegedly containing nude images of the children during his arrest.
Official Response and Community Impact
Namibian officials condemned the alleged acts. Regional police commander Maureen Mbeha confirmed that the suspect is accused of “sexually abusing minors from the San community.” The case has sparked concerns about the protection of vulnerable indigenous populations, particularly in areas frequented by foreign visitors.
In a public statement, the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism said, “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 further described the incident as “deeply disrespectful to the cultural heritage of the San community.”
British Government’s Response
The UK Foreign Office acknowledged the arrest, stating: “We are in contact with local authorities following the arrest of a British national in Namibia.”
Brook has not yet entered a plea or responded publicly to the charges.
Tourism and Ethical Conduct
Namibia, known for its desert landscapes and cultural diversity, attracts thousands of international tourists each year. The incident has prompted renewed calls for ethical conduct among visitors, especially when engaging with indigenous communities.
This case adds to broader concerns about exploitation in tourism settings and may lead to heightened scrutiny of visitor behavior in the country’s protected regions.
