The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) is investigating a case of rape after a 19-year-old girl living with Down syndrome was allegedly raped and impregnated at an unknown time by an unknown suspect in Havana informal settlement, Windhoek.

According to NamPol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the matter only came to light after the victim started complaining about abdominal aches and was subsequently diagnosed with a 13-week pregnancy.

The Minister of Finance has announced an increase in social grants to cushion vulnerable members of society against the rising cost of food prices.

Iipumbu Shiimi made the much-welcomed announcement in Parliament on Tuesday as he delivered the mid-term budget for the years 2022 to 2023.

The Finance Minister said N$5.2 million has been added to the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare's budget to make the increases possible.

Backdated to October 2022, the food bank recipients' grants will be increased from N$500 to N$600 per month.