Stefanus Nashama
Applications to join the Namibian Police Force closed yesterday, with thousands of young people gathering and squeezing each other at the Wanaheda Police Station in Windhoek to submit their applications.
According to NamPol Major General Elias Mutota, applicants were given the whole month to submit their applications on time.
The Windhoek Observer spoke to some applicants who said that although they were given enough time to submit their applications, finance was the most challenging for them to make copies of documents in time.
They had to wait until the end of the month to get some money, make copies and submit their applications.
Some applicants said that although NamPol made an announcement that applications were to be submitted at any police station countrywide, NamPol did not fulfil this.
This resulted in applicants from Windhoek finding themselves having no other alternative but to submit their applications at the Wanaheda Police Station.
This publication observed a large number of angry young people in the commotion and pushing to stand in an informal queue to submit their applications while it rained intermittently.
However, the police managed to maintain order and a proper queue for the submission process to go smoothly.
One could conclude that the high rate of unemployment among the youth in Namibia keeps increasing.
In April, the Namibian Police announced that it will recruit about 750 new cadet constables in the force’s various departments.
The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, however, told this publication that they are in need of about 1 000 new recruits.
Major General Mutota yesterday told this publication that people always wait for the last day even when they were given enough time (about a whole month) for the submission of their applications.
As you know, people always like to apply on the last day. What were they doing for the whole month? They were given ample time to submit their applications,” Mutota added.
Mutota said if there is a need for extending the days for the submission of applications, the Wanaheda Police Station Commander will communicate the new measures.
He said applications were to be submitted at any police station countrywide, but it was later communicated that all applications in Windhoek should only be submitted at Wanaheda Police Station.
Mutota said NamPol will possibly shortlist 53 candidates from each region for training, after the process of physical fitness tests and interviews.
The Major General urged people to manage time and avoid submissions at the last stage of the application process.
The police seek to employ candidates with Grade 12 NSSCO/H or Grade 11 (new curriculum) with 25 points or higher.
Candidates, among other requirements, must be above the age of 18 and below the age of 35.
