Lüderitz child kidnapping case sparks anti-bail petition

A man charged with the alleged abduction of a child made his first appearance in the Lüderitz Magistrate's Court on Monday (6 July 2026).

The accused, Hendrick Musese, faces a charge of kidnapping. He appeared before Magistrate Whitney Ndaruka Chaka, who postponed the case to 22 July for a bail application.

ǁKharas Police Deputy Commissioner Nicodemus Mbango confirmed that Musese was arrested on Friday in Area 7 township in Lüderitz.

"The (intoxicated) suspect was allegedly found with a child and claimed the child was his. He was taken to the police station so that his claim could be verified. The child's mother later arrived and disproved his claim, after which he was arrested," Mbango said.

Local councillor Nehemia "Junior" Mutaleni has since launched an online petition calling for bail to be denied.

"We strongly oppose the granting of bail in this matter and urge the authorities to keep the accused in custody while the case is dealt with properly. The petition is not intended to interfere with the judicial process or to presume guilt. It is a plea for justice, accountability and the protection of every child in Lüderitz," Mutaleni said.

He said the community remained deeply concerned about the safety of children.

"Our concern is based on the seriousness of the alleged offence involving a child, the potential risk to children and the wider community if the accused is released, and the fear and distress already felt across Lüderitz. Families should be able to let their children move about without living in constant worry," he said.

Mutaleni said the community still remembered the disappearance of Spencer Mandela Nakale, who went missing in Area 7 on 28 December 2020 at the age of three and whose whereabouts remain unknown.

"That unresolved loss has left a lasting wound in the community, and the recent incident has heightened our fear and anxiety. We believe the court must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We also call for a full and impartial investigation, appropriate legal action if the accused is convicted, stronger measures to protect children, and increased public awareness and community policing initiatives to help prevent similar incidents," he said.

One of the petition's signatories said: "Our children deserve to grow up in a safe and peaceful community without fear. Families should not have to live in constant anxiety about the safety of their children. We therefore call on the relevant authorities to oppose bail for people accused of kidnapping or abducting children while investigations and court proceedings are ongoing."

The online petition had attracted 50 signatures by Monday.