Health ministry probes Noa’s fresh rape charge

Patience Makwele

The ministry of health and social services has launched an internal administrative investigation after an intern doctor stationed at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital appeared in the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape.

Dennis Iipumbu Noa (31) was remanded in custody on Monday after the State opposed bail. State prosecutor Aina Magano Mwaala argued that the State has a prima facie case against the accused and raised concerns that he could interfere with witnesses or abscond. The matter was postponed to 27 October 2026 for a formal bail application.

According to the police, the alleged incident occurred on Friday after Noa invited the 26-year-old complainant to Oniipa to celebrate his new job. Police allege the complainant travelled to the hospital, where the two went to the doctor’s room on the hospital premises.

The complainant alleges Noa bought him alcoholic beverages before he noticed what appeared to be a pill dissolving in one of the drinks. After consuming it, he allegedly became nauseous and was sexually assaulted. He told police he escaped by breaking a window after finding the room locked and later regained consciousness in a hospital bed. Both the complainant and the accused underwent forensic medical examinations.