ONDANGWA – Inspector General Joseph Shikongo has revealed that some police officers are left with as little as N$200 after salary deductions due to multiple loans, insurance policies and other commitments.
Shikongo said this while addressing 1 083 police recruits on Monday during a preparatory meeting for the start of their professional journey at the Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre in Ondangwa.
The recruits are expected to graduate in May this year and will be deployed across the country thereafter.
“We are busy helping some officers who are left with only N$200 after salary because of many deductions and loans. This situation is worrying, and it starts with poor financial discipline,” Shikongo said. He said most young officers fall into financial trouble shortly after receiving their first salaries, mainly because of pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle and easy access to credit.
“Avoid loan companies such as Letshego and others. They make borrowing look simple, but the consequences are serious. You end up working only to pay debts,” he cautioned. He described such resignations as painful and unnecessary, adding that many of the challenges officers face could be avoided through proper planning and discipline at the beginning of their careers.
“Some of these problems have caused officers to resign. It is painful because people struggle to join the force, only to leave because of money problems,” Shikongo said.
He urged recruits not to rush into buying expensive phones and other luxury items, reminding them that wants should not be prioritised over needs. Shikongo encouraged recruits to think about their long-term future, including investing in housing, especially in rural areas, and supporting their families responsibly.
On insurance matters, Shikongo advised recruits to take life cover, but warned against taking out too many insurance policies that reduce their take-home pay.
He encouraged them to serve the community with humility and integrity and to not accept bribes.
“I feel encouraged but also warned. We are excited about starting work, but the Inspector General made me realise that discipline with money and discipline in service must go together,” a recruit said.