253 new recruits at correctional service
253 new recruits at correctional service

253 new recruits at correctional service

Ashley Smith
Despite serious financial challenges the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) faced during the 2019/20 financial year, it managed to recruit 253 candidates, while 120 staff members left last year.

The NCS now employs 2 563 correctional staff, consisting of 1 398 males and 1 165 females.

This was revealed by NCS Commissioner-General Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela on Tuesday during a staff address. He said 13 of the 253 recruits were already in the system and they are all currently undergoing a basic training course at the Lucius Mahoto Correctional Service Training College. According to Hamunyela a total of 120 correctional staff left the NCS between 1 January and 31 December last year. This included 43 resignations and 42 retirements, while 12 staff members went on early retirement. There were also six deaths, ten dismissals, six desertions, three medical discharges and five contract terminations. Three officers were also transferred to government offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs)

According to Hamunyela a total of 41 correctional officers will be retiring during the course of this year.

A total of 74 staff were employed in the NCS to enhance the offender risk management correctional strategy (ORMCS).

This includes programmes such as case management services, community supervision, community service orders, religious care services, education services, healthcare, metal work, furniture production and monitoring and evaluation.

Hamunyela said 364 officers, consisting of 234 males and 130 females were promoted, while 94 officers were transferred or reassigned to positions where their expertise was needed. He said a total of 2 257 out of 2 550 correctional staff signed their performance agreements during the 2019/20 financial year, compared to 2 066 at the end of the previous financial year. Out of 322 staff at the national headquarters, only 18 staff did not sign their performance agreements.

“I have noted with concern the lack of understanding on the execution of the review of performance agreements. I also learnt of some poor performance on activities which did not require funds to implement; meanwhile, some of the reports lacked accuracy and conciseness”

Hamunyela therefore directed that correctional staff sign and submit their performance agreements by the today.

ELLANIE SMIT

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-19

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