16 October 2025
The Commissioner General of the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), Mr. Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela, warmly received members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee onInternational Relations, Defence and Security during a courtesy visit held on 16 October 2025.Leading the delegation, the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. James Uerikua, outlined the Committee’s oversight mandate to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of institutions under the safety and security cluster. Hon. Uerikua reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting the NCS in its critical role and emphasized the importance of such visits in equipping Members of Parliament with empirical insights to inform and enhance their legislative work.
He commended the Correctional Service for its impressive strides in self-sufficiency, particularly highlighting the success of its food production programme. He further noted the NCS’s impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives and applauded the high standards of hygiene maintained across correctional facilities, reflecting the institution’s dedication to rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders into society.
Commissioner General Hamunyela presented a detailed report on the current state of inmate populations, including trial-awaiting detainees. He reiterated that although managing remand detainees falls outside the primary mandate of the NCS, the institution continues to accommodate such individuals due to the nature of their offenses. In his presentation, the Commissioner General proudly reported that all correctional facilities are equipped with clinics. He also shared forward-looking plans to establish external clinics adjacent to facilities, particularly in rural areas, to extend healthcare services to surrounding
communities. During the visit, Members of Parliament observed a moment of tribute in remembrance of NCS and Namibian Police officers who tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier this year. Hon. Uerikua remarked that with the upcoming Mid-term Budget Review, now is the opportunity moment to prioritize resource allocation to the safety and security sector.
The Commissioner General also provided updates on ongoing and planned projects and outlined some of the key challenges faced by the Service. These included shortages in uniforms, housing, and overall conditions of service for officers. In response, the Chairperson expressed strong support for improving employment conditions to attract and retain skilled personnel, curb brain drain, and strengthen the Service’s operational effectiveness
