In a recent judgement delivered at the Windhoek High Court, Judge Naomi Shivute found two residents of the ||Kharas region, Dirk von Weidts and Jors Arrie, guilty on multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of a young girl. The girl, who was 11 years old in January 2021, had accused the men of committing serious crimes against her between October 2020 and January 2021.
According to the court's findings, Von Weidts, 75, was convicted on one charge of rape, two counts of committing an indecent or immoral act with a girl under 16, and three charges of trafficking in a person. Arrie, 49, was found guilty on two counts of rape and one charge of trafficking in a person. The judge concluded that the girl was a reliable and credible witness, and her testimony was sufficient to prove the accused men's guilt.
The girl testified that Von Weidts had transported her to his house on two occasions, where he carried out sexual acts with her, and on one occasion to a mountainous area for a similar purpose. After the incidents, Von Weidts gave her money, sweets, and other treats. She also testified that Arrie had invited her and another girl to his house, where he raped her on two separate occasions, offering her N$5 initially.
Judge Shivute rejected the defence versions of events, finding it highly unlikely that the girl would have fabricated such serious allegations. The judge made findings that both Von Weidts and Arrie had unlawfully transported the girl for the purpose of sexual exploitation, making them guilty of trafficking in a person.
The incidents, according to the court, occurred when the girl was between 10 and 11 years old. Both accused men denied the charges during their trial, which began in March 2024. However, the judge's verdict was based on the evidence presented, including the girl's testimony.
Von Weidts and Arrie are currently being held in custody and are set to appear in court again on 14 October. The court's decision brings to a close a lengthy and difficult process for the young victim, who had to recount her traumatic experiences in court.
The case highlights the serious issue of child sexual exploitation in Namibia and the efforts of the judiciary to hold perpetrators accountable. The guilty verdicts send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face the consequences of their actions.
Key points
- Two men, Dirk von Weidts and Jors Arrie, have been found guilty of raping a preteen girl in separate incidents in Namibia's ||Kharas region.
- The men were convicted on multiple charges, including rape, indecent acts, and trafficking in a person.
- The case highlights the issue of child sexual exploitation in Namibia and the efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
