The Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare Minister, Doreen Sioka, says she is disturbed by incidences of gender-based violence in Namibia, despite the enactment of many laws to combat GBV.

She made these remarks during the commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at Oshikango in the Ohangwena Region.

Sioka particularly warned against killing women and children.

While advising fathers to be responsible and always be protective of their children and wives, Sioka also expressed concern about the increase in rape cases in Namibia.

She further took a swipe at witchdoctors and some churches for their bad influence in telling people to engage in ill deeds in pursuit of wealth.

Girls and women who abandon their children were not spared either. Sioka informed them that they should instead bring the unwanted babies to her ministry rather than resorting to killing or dumping them.