Rape-accused social worker awaits DNA results
Suspended ‘indefinitely’
Kaundu made his last appearance in the Kahenge Periodic Court on 7 January when the matter was remanded to 13 May.
DNA results expected in May will either exonerate a 43-year-old social worker, or confirm that he fathered a baby with a 16-year-old girl.
Markus Nairenge Kaundu was arrested in 2021 after he was accused of raping and impregnating the teen who was assigned to his care after she was raped, fell pregnant and gave birth at just 14.
According to court records, Kaundu - who was released from custody on N$5 000 bail - made his last appearance in the Kahenge Periodic Court on 7 January when the matter was remanded to 13 May for DNA results.
Swabs were taken in October last year - five months after the minor gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
The victim has since returned to school, while both her children are in foster care in the Kavango East Region.
Still suspended
Kaundu, who is employed by the ministry of gender equality and child welfare in Nkurenkuru, was suspended without pay in December 2021 based on recommendations by the Public Service Commission.
At the time, ministry executive director Esther Lusepani told Namibian Sun that Kaundu has been suspended indefinitely while the court case and an internal disciplinary hearing hang over his head.
“He is suspended until the whole process is completed, and the disciplinary process is ongoing,” she said.
Namibian Sun has been reliably informed that while on suspension, Kaundu attempted to resign from the ministry; however, his resignation was rejected pending the finalisation of the court case.
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Markus Nairenge Kaundu was arrested in 2021 after he was accused of raping and impregnating the teen who was assigned to his care after she was raped, fell pregnant and gave birth at just 14.
According to court records, Kaundu - who was released from custody on N$5 000 bail - made his last appearance in the Kahenge Periodic Court on 7 January when the matter was remanded to 13 May for DNA results.
Swabs were taken in October last year - five months after the minor gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
The victim has since returned to school, while both her children are in foster care in the Kavango East Region.
Still suspended
Kaundu, who is employed by the ministry of gender equality and child welfare in Nkurenkuru, was suspended without pay in December 2021 based on recommendations by the Public Service Commission.
At the time, ministry executive director Esther Lusepani told Namibian Sun that Kaundu has been suspended indefinitely while the court case and an internal disciplinary hearing hang over his head.
“He is suspended until the whole process is completed, and the disciplinary process is ongoing,” she said.
Namibian Sun has been reliably informed that while on suspension, Kaundu attempted to resign from the ministry; however, his resignation was rejected pending the finalisation of the court case.
[email protected]
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