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

Brook faces 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, human trafficking, child exploitation, and crimen injuria a Namibian legal term for actions that unlawfully and intentionally violate a person's dignity.

Shocking Allegations at Cultural Site

The alleged incidents took place at the Ju'/Hoansi Living Museum, a remote cultural site that showcases the traditions and daily life of the San people. Brook is accused of coercing 33 minors—including 16 teenage girls, 14 teenage boys, and three younger children—to undress for photographs and allow inappropriate touching in exchange for sweets.

Namibian police say the suspect arrived in the country on May 15, 2025, and drove to the remote site—about six hours from the capital, Windhoek—where he had been known to staff and had visited annually for the past three years. He was arrested a day after arriving at the camp.

Court Proceedings

Brook appeared before the Grootfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was formally charged. Prosecutor Kristiana Erastus stated the offenses were in violation of Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act of 2015, and aligned with international protocols, including the African Charter and United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

No plea was taken during the hearing. Magistrate Abraham Abraham remanded the suspect in custody until his next court appearance on June 19.

Government and Police Response

Namibia’s Information Minister, Emma Theofelus, confirmed Brook remains in custody. Police inspector Maureen Mbeha provided details of the alleged abuse and confirmed an ongoing investigation.

The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism condemned the allegations, describing them as “a serious violation of both national laws and human dignity.”

“These acts are deeply disrespectful to the San people and a betrayal of the cultural trust extended to tourists. We commend the swift action of our police and are confident that justice will prevail,” a ministry spokesperson said.

Cultural and Ethical Concerns

The Ju'/Hoansi Living Museum is one of seven such cultural projects in Namibia, established by the Living Culture Foundation Namibia (LCFN)—a German-Namibian initiative founded in 2004 by Dr. Ralf Kuhn. The museums aim to preserve and share traditional San culture through interactive tourism.

While some adult San women traditionally remain topless, museum management emphasized that teenage girls are always dressed in full traditional attire. Visitors are routinely discouraged from giving sweets to children, and are instead urged to make donations through official channels to avoid exploitation.

The museum’s website highlights its goal to present the San’s hunter-gatherer heritage “as authentically as possible” while supporting the community economically and culturally.

A Community in Shock

The San people, considered one of the oldest continuous cultures in Southern Africa, have long welcomed cultural tourism as a form of preservation and income. This case has raised deep concerns about safeguarding vulnerable communities, especially children, in the face of foreign exploitation.

Brook remains in custody as Namibian authorities prepare for further legal proceedings. If convicted, he faces severe penalties under Namibian and international child protection laws.