800 police cadets start training

HEAD of human resources, commissioner Abed Kashihakumwa officially opened the basic police training course at Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre in Ondangwa on Friday.

In his keynote address commissioner Kashihakumwa said that the training is aimed at transforming the recruits into professional police officers who will be able to serve the communities and the country at large with passion, love and in a dignified manner.

“The training also aimed at addressing behavioural and attitude changes from an ordinary member of society to a life of being a police officer which in the end will enable you to carry out the function and duties of the Namibian Police with a certain degree of efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism,” he said.

He further urged the cadet constables to re-adjust their mindset towards their training despite its unpleasant environment as failing to do so will cause the activities of training to become unbearable and extremely difficult to cope with.

“Recruits, you must understand that in training you do not do what you want to do, but rather what you are being told to do,” he said.

He appealed to the supervisors, instructors and all stakeholders in the training programme to take the duty of turning the recruits into professional police officers seriously so that all may be taken into the force. Deputy commissioner Rauha Amwele, head of administration for Oshana region on behalf of Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga told recruits that they have been given a golden opportunity to become key players in the realisation of the ministry’s mission to give quality service with due consideration for fundamental human rights and freedoms, without compromising the upholding of law and order, safety and security for all people.

Among those present were commandant of the training centre deputy commissioner Ndafudha Iifo and head of administration and support services deputy commissioner Marius Katamila.

Of the recruits who reported at the training centre in July; eleven dropped out and one passed away, leaving 802 recruits – 210 females and 592 males. The cadet constables are the first intake for this year and will undergo a six-months’ basic training course.