Namibian authorities have arrested 65-year-old British tourist Douglas Robert Brook in the Tsumkwe West area of the Otjozondjupa region for allegedly sexually molesting minors and taking nude photographs of children from the Indigenous San community.
Brook faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, human trafficking, crimen injuria, and child exploitation, according to local media reports.
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The allegations are based on incidents at the Grashoek Living Museum, where Brook is accused of luring San children with sweets instructing them to undress, and posing them for nude photographs.
Some of the nude photographs of the children were reportedly found on the Brooks’ camera, which was confiscated by police after his arrest.
Police reports indicate he also inappropriately touched both young boys and girls during his holiday in central Namibia. The reports also indicate that the tourist sexually abused 16 teenage girls and 14 boys.
Brook appeared in the Grootfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 20, where he was denied bail. Namibian Police, via a statement covered by NAMPA, confirmed the severity of the charges, with investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged crimes.
In a statement, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism said the actions were “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 wrote.
Note: This site is strongly against child sexual abuse. That should not happen