Max Henrich
Cecilia Xavier
ONGWEDIVA - A total of 460 police officers in the Oshana region were promoted to various ranks last week, with women taking up 50.3% of the total.
The 229 male and 231 female officers were promoted in line with the provisions of the Police Act, Act 19 of 1990. It was done for the long-service stream and academic stream officers. Oshana police regional commander, commissioner Naftal Sackaria said the officers were rewarded because they are hardworking and deserving of promotions.
“We are looking at performance and deserving people who are working and not those who are complaining at work. Your work must show that you deserve to get a promotion. All members can never be promoted at the same time, and those who are not considered now should continue working hard and improve themselves in order to be available for future promotions,” he urged.
A total of 60 members were not considered for promotion, but Sackaria highlighted that they have initiated an appeal regarding the matter to accommodate everybody due and deserving.
His office, he added, is receiving so many issues related to the conduct and discipline of members being charged daily, especially those of lower ranks. This happens both departmentally and criminally, and cases take too long to be solved because some members do not cooperate with investigations.
Sackaria thus cautioned the police officers not to sit around after the promotions, but to make sure they move to the next level by showing their capabilities.
Kunene promotes 206 officers
The Kunene region saw 206 police officers receiving promotion and conferment of ranks last week in Opuwo. Of the total, only 40 are women. Speaking at the parade, Kunene Regional Commander Commissioner James Nderura stressed that the promotions are to recognise their commitment and dedication to national duties.
“A promotion should not be seen as a mere decoration, and or just a reward to an officer or a member, but it comes with huge responsibilities over their shoulders; these include a high level of accountability, commitment and honesty in upholding the rule of law. Nderura told police officers that the higher they go the more it is expected to oversee the work of others in serving and protecting the community and public.
“It is, therefore, expected of all promoted officers to always perform your duties to the best of your ability and to account to the laws, authorities and people of this land, at all times. You should always maintain high level of professionalism, to be assets, but not liabilities to the organisation,” he said. Nderura encouraged those who receive their rank promotions to continue working hard and maintain a high level of discipline.
*Cecilia Xavier works for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in Opuwo.