ONGWEDIVA – The correctional services chief has read the riot act to officers hoping to cash in on the recruitment of new officers or favouring acquaintances and family members after this paper received several complaints from the public and hopefuls.

Commissioner General of the Namibia Correctional Service Raphael Hamunyela has warned NCS officers to refrain from corruption during the written tests, scheduled to take place soon.

He stated that all candidates should be treated equally when it comes to the requirements of the physical fitness test or the written test.

Hamunyela said this on Tuesday in reaction to an allegation from the public, who are complaining that NCS officers are allegedly corruptly passing their relatives during a gruelling physical fitness test.

He called on the public to report irregularities to his office as soon as possible.

Hamunyela said he is ready to remove names of the candidates that were not added procedurally from the passing list.

“I am ready to investigate the matter. This is unacceptable and completely out of order,” he lamented.

He stressed that whoever is practising corruption will be dealt with and become an example of the department’s zero tolerance for corruption.

“I don’t want this to happen in the next written test, which is scheduled for the candidates who passed the first assessment,” he said.

According to the public, some candidates did not cover the 2.4km, while those who did not run have their names allegedly submitted by their relatives (officers), stating that they passed.

 Close to 15 000 candidates participated in the physical assessments at centres across the country, and only 200 candidates will be selected. 

NCS received 33 259 applications.

Last week, candidates who spoke to New Era said the assessment is not easy, as the time allocated is short, compared to the distance they are expected to run.

They also complained that they are expected to run alongside a busy gravel road.

Hamunyela hit back and said the regulation of the procedures in the recruitment process will not change just because some candidates are complaining it is too tough or that it is done under harsh conditions. 

“The similar assessment is also used at the Namibian Defence Force and the police recruitment, and it is the same being used at the NCS. Therefore, candidates should stop complaining and put in more effort,” he stressed.

Hamunyela added jobs will be given to those who will make it through their assessment and training.

Those who make it through will participate in an oral interview, followed by a written test that will ultimately determine the 200 successful candidates.

On Tuesday, NCS announced they halted written tests and interviews in the ongoing recruitment process of new cadets. 

The new dates for the tests and interviews will be communicated.

- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na