In a significant development, a businessman suspected of being involved in “a very great number” of rape and sexual assault cases was apprehended on Wednesday in Cameroon, as reported by the state broadcaster CRTV.
The arrest followed pleas from legal representatives who urged prosecutors to initiate an inquiry after numerous women came forward, accusing the businessman of sexual attacks through anonymous posts on social media.
Identified as Herve Bopda, the suspect was apprehended in the Bonaberi district of the economic capital Douala. CRTV released a statement, stating, “Herve Bopda is suspected of raping or sexually assaulting a very great number of young girls.”
The arrest sets the stage for legal proceedings aimed at compiling evidence against him.
Last week, the Bar association’s human rights commission acknowledged receiving anonymous testimonies on social networks, accusing Bopda of “indecent exposure, sexual harassment, rapes, threats, illegal confinement, and violence against several victims.”
In response to the allegations, Minister for Women’s Empowerment, Marie-Therese Abena Ondoa, called upon victims to “break the silence” and pledged support in providing the necessary elements for legal authorities to conduct thorough investigations.
The nation’s human rights commission initially took up the case on January 19. However, on Saturday, it expressed regret for being unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation due to the anonymous nature of the accusations.
Since mid-January, a blogger has posted over 70 anonymous testimonies on social networks, accusing the businessman of sexual violence.
The hashtag #StopBopda gained momentum, with thousands of tweets on various platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), as African artists, athletes, and influencers rallied to support the cause.
