Police say the suspect targeted young boys and girls from the indigenous San community (file photo) [Universal Images Group via Getty Images]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
A British national has been arrested in Namibia for allegedly sexually molesting minors and taking nude photographs of them.<\/p>\n
Douglas Robert Brook is also accused of touching the children inappropriately while on a holiday in central Namibia.<\/p>\n
Police said the suspect targeted young boys and girls from the indigenous San community in the central Otjozondjupa region.<\/p>\n
The 65-year old Briton faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault and child exploitation, Namibia local media reported.<\/p>\n
The British national, who arrived in Namibia last week for a holiday, is yet to respond to the charges.<\/p>\n
He was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly lured 34 young children with sweets and money to take their photos while they were naked.<\/p>\n
The UK Foreign Office said it was in contact with the local authorities regarding a British man who had been arrested in Namibia.<\/p>\n
Maureen Mbeha, a regional police boss, told state media that the tourist sexually abused 16 teenage girls and 14 boys.<\/p>\n
Some of the nude photographs of the children were reportedly found on the Briton’s camera, which was confiscated by police after his arrest.<\/p>\n
He appeared in the Grootfontein Magistrate court, north of the capital, Windhoek, on Tuesday where he was denied bail and remanded in custody, the Namibia Press Agency reported.<\/p>\n
The case was postponed to next month after the state prosecutor requested more time for investigations.<\/p>\n
“The tourist remains in police custody,” Information Minister Emma Theofelus told the BBC.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism said the actions were “deeply disrespectful to the cultural heritage of the San community”.<\/p>\n
“It is unacceptable for any visitor, foreign or local, to exploit or objectify indigenous communities or their children for any purpose, including photography,” the ministry said in a statement cited by Informant\u00e9 newspaper.<\/p>\n
The southern African country is a popular tourism destination for its breath-taking desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n