British Tourist Arrested in Namibia for Allegedly Assaulting Over 30 Indigenous San Children

A 65-year-old British man, Douglas Robert Brook, has been arrested in Namibia on multiple serious charges, including the alleged sexual assault of more than 30 indigenous San children at a cultural heritage site known as a "living museum."

Brook, who was taken into custody on Sunday, is facing 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, human trafficking, crimen injuria (a Namibian charge relating to the serious violation of another’s dignity), and child exploitation. He was reportedly apprehended after allegedly persuading children at the Ju'/Hoansi San Living Museum to undress for photographs and allow inappropriate physical contact in exchange for sweets.

According to Mail Online, Brook appeared at the Grootfontein Magistrates’ Court, where prosecutor Kristiana Erastus presented the charges. While no plea has been entered, Magistrate Abraham Abraham remanded Brook in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 19.

Namibian police inspector Maureen Mbeha stated that Brook allegedly molested 33 minors — including 16 teenage girls, 14 teenage boys, and three younger children — by inappropriately touching their private parts. The offences are said to violate Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act of 2015, as well as international agreements like the African Charter and various UN child protection protocols.

Brook reportedly entered Namibia on May 15 for a holiday and travelled to the remote San village, located about six hours from the capital, Windhoek. It was his third annual visit to the same site, where he was known to both the staff and the museum’s manager. He was arrested just a day after his arrival.

Namibia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism strongly condemned the alleged abuse, calling it a "deeply disrespectful" and "serious violation" of laws protecting children. A spokesperson stated, “It is unacceptable for tourists to exploit vulnerable communities. We commend the swift action of the Namibian police and are confident that justice will be served.”

The Ju'/Hoansi San Living Museum is one of seven such heritage sites in Namibia, established as part of a German-Namibian collaboration. These cultural sites aim to preserve and present the traditions of the San people, who are among the oldest surviving civilizations in Southern Africa. Tourists participate in various cultural activities and are encouraged to support the community through donations or purchases of handmade crafts. The museum explicitly instructs visitors not to give sweets to children due to a lack of dental care access.

The Living Culture Foundation Namibia (LCFN), which oversees the museums, was founded in 2004 by German anthropologist Dr. Ralf Kuhn and relies heavily on tourism and donations to sustain the San’s cultural heritage. The foundation has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

Brook remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not confirmed whether he will be transferred to a main correctional facility before his next court date.