A female officer at the Windhoek Correctional Facility has been suspended after she allegedly entered a bathroom with a male inmate.
This is in wanton disregard of standing rules and procedures.
Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela confirmed the incident to New Era over the weekend.
He added that the officer is currently under investigation following concerns about her conduct.
Hamunyela stated that the officer was seen on CCTV while on duty.
“After the investigation, the results will determine whether she will be dismissed or not,” he added.
Hamunyela also stated that the officer’s actions were illegal.
He urged officers to follow the rules and regulations that have been put in place to guide their conduct.
“We continuously give workshops to officers to ensure that they are familiar with the rules and regulations. Even during initial training, officers are educated on how to behave,” he said.
Hamunyela noted that officers are facing various challenges, including mental health issues.
“As a nation, we need to work together to see how best we can help the officers. They really need help,” he added.
Hamunyela stated that the smuggling of cellphones and drugs into correctional facilities has decreased.
“This is good news. Our officers will continue to work hard to ensure there is no smuggling of drugs,” he said.
He noted that inmates are performing well in agricultural projects and other activities.