Nearly 43 000 applications for 1 000 police posts

The Namibian Police have revealed that a nationwide recruitment drive for 1 000 cadet constables has attracted 42 967 applications.

Of the pool of applicants, 2 398 candidates (1 664 men, 734 women) have been shortlisted for the upcoming interviews.

Police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi yesterday emphasised the importance of mental and physical fitness, saying the police want those prepared for national service, who will uphold public order, ensure safety and enforce the law.

“It must be understood that the Namibian Police Force is proudly answering the call of employment as a contribution to nation-building. However, this call to the Namibian Police is not meant to be a mere reduction of unemployment, but meant for men and women who are serious and have policing at heart; meant for those candidates who are willing and ready to serve the Namibian nation from anywhere in the country and as required,” she said.

To confirm their shortlisting status, applicants have been advised to visit the various police regional headquarters or utilise the Namibian Police’s Facebook page and website.

The interview process is scheduled to take place at the regional head offices from 31 May to 18 June.

Shikwambi said the purpose of the interviews is to ensure only the fittest and best suited candidates are appointed.

The assessments will consist of language proficiency aptitude tests at the first stage, followed by physical fitness tests, physical and medical examinations and criminal screening.

Successful candidates who pass all stages of the assessment may be considered for police basic training.

During the verification process, all candidates are required to present their original documents to establish their authenticity.

Shikwambi reiterated that candidates found to have submitted false documents will be immediately disqualified, and appropriate legal action will be taken against them.

“Failure to provide the original documents will lead to automatic disqualification and no candidate without the national ID card will be considered,” she said.

Shikwambi cautioned the public about potential scams during the recruitment process, stressing that the police do not require any form of payment or incentives for employment.

“Anyone making payments will do that at (their) own risk and should those would-be perpetrators be detected, we request that they be reported immediately to the nearest police station,” said Shikwambi.

The police recruitment exercise was the latest example of the scramble for jobs as the country grapples with youth unemployment hovering at around 50%.

In March, the nation was left shell-shocked after 2 000 unemployed Windhoek youths flocked to a local business to submit their CVs for consideration for 16 advertised positions.
The Temperature Lounge and Restaurant in Windhoek advertised 16 posts, including for waiters, waitresses, chefs, bartenders and cleaners, to add to their current 48 employees.
Later the same month, thousands of job seekers at Walvis Bay gathered in front of the Omualu Fishing company premises, hoping to be considered for jobs at the factory after factory employees reportedly sent messages to friends and family informing them that the factory was hiring.

NO CORRUPT ACTIVITIES

Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo in April urged officials responsible for recruiting police cadets to refrain from corrupt activities during the process.

According to New Era, Shikongo said officers accountable for processing applications for recruitment must ensure they are working in truth and fairness.

“Jobs will be given to all eligible candidates, therefore, every eligible candidate who meets the requirements should apply,” he said at the time.

Prospective cadet constables are required to have an authentic Grade 12 NSSCO/H or Grade 11 (new curriculum) certificate.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, must not have a criminal record, must be physically healthy, and female candidates must be willing to undergo a pregnancy test.