A British national has been arrested in Namibia on charges of sexually molesting minors and taking nude photographs of children from the indigenous San community. Douglas Robert Brook, 65, faces 38 counts, including rape, indecent assault, and child exploitation, in a case that has shocked the southern African nation.

The suspect, who arrived in Namibia last week for a holiday, allegedly targeted young boys and girls in the central Otjozondjupa region. Police reported that Brook lured 34 children with sweets and money to take explicit photographs of them while they were naked. Some of the images were found on his camera, which was confiscated following his arrest on Sunday.

Maureen Mbeha, a regional police commander, confirmed to state media that the Briton sexually abused 16 teenage girls and 14 boys. The children, all from the San community, were reportedly exploited during Brook’s stay in the area.

Brook appeared in the Grootfontein Magistrate Court, located north of the capital, Windhoek, on Tuesday. He was denied bail and remanded in custody as the state prosecutor requested additional time to investigate the case. The matter has been postponed to next month.

Namibia’s Information Minister, Emma Theofelus, stated that the tourist remains in police custody. The UK embassy in Namibia has yet to issue a detailed response, noting that it has “no information beyond what has been reported in the media.”

The Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism condemned the actions as “deeply disrespectful to the cultural heritage of the San community.” In a statement cited by the Informanté newspaper, the ministry emphasized that it is “unacceptable for any visitor, foreign or local, to exploit or objectify indigenous communities or their children for any purpose, including photography.”

Namibia, known for its stunning desert landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, is a popular tourist destination. However, this incident has raised concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable communities and the need for stricter measures to protect children from abuse.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with local authorities vowing to ensure justice for the victims. As investigations continue, the Namibian government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all its citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities.