A 65-year-old British tourist, Douglas Robert Brook, was arrested in Namibia after being accused of exploiting over 30 indigenous San children at the Ju’/Hoansi Living Museum. Brook is facing 38 charges, including rape, indecent assault, child exploitation, human trafficking, and crimen injuria, a Namibian offense that involves actions seriously harming someone’s dignity.

The charges arose from allegations that Brook persuaded 33 children to undress for photos and allowed him to touch their private parts in exchange for sweets. These actions are reported to violate Namibia’s Child Care & Protection Act, as well as international laws meant to protect children from exploitation.

The Ju’/Hoansi Living Museum is a cultural site established to preserve and present the traditional way of life of the San people, one of the oldest surviving indigenous groups in Southern Africa. The museum offers tourists an opportunity to learn about the San’s culture, including traditional practices like hunting, gathering, and making crafts.

Brook, who had visited the museum on multiple occasions, arrived in Namibia on May 15, 2025, and was arrested the day after the incident. The Namibian government, along with local authorities, has strongly condemned his alleged actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable children and indigenous communities from exploitation.

The case has sparked discussions on the ethical issues surrounding cultural tourism and the protection of indigenous people. The Ju’/Hoansi Living Museum strives to provide an authentic experience of San culture, but incidents like this highlight the potential risks and ethical concerns when tourists interact with vulnerable communities.

Brook has been remanded in custody and will appear in court on June 19, 2025. Authorities continue to investigate the case to ensure justice and to prevent further harm to vulnerable groups.