WINDHOEK – Police officers who confided in New Era are unhappy about comments made by the Minister of Safety and Security Major-General (Rtd) Charles Namoloh in which he blasted some of them for a lack passion for their profession and that they only joined the force for money.
The minister was quoted by The Namibian newspaper on Tuesday as having said, “Some police officers do not have passion for their work but have a passion for money only. That is why we have so many problems. A police officer works for three years and then wants a promotion.”
The officers questioned whether Namoloh wants them to work for free.
They also asked if he has read the Police Blue Manual that states if a member of the force has been in a position for three years and does not have a pending case, he or she qualifies for a promotion.
But yesterday Namoloh was unapologetic. “I can repeat what I said,” he said, adding that some police officers and civil servants lack passion for their jobs.
He said when people come to interviews “they tell you nice things but when they get the jobs they do not want to serve, they close their doors and act like kings.”
Last year November New Era reported that some police officers felt that promotion in the force is implemented in an unfair manner.
They felt that some police officers are being overlooked, while others are promoted rapidly.
Namoloh further said there was a “disease” of people asking for benefits while they lack commitment to their work.
“That’s why you see things are going down,” he added.
Police further complained the salaries of members of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) have been adjusted, resulting in soldiers getting more money than the police.
About the increase, the minister replied that the work of police and soldiers are different.