Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Correctional Service officially launched the Telio Inmate Telephone System at the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund correctional facilities on Friday.
This system is part of the country’s wider reform of the justice and correctional systems.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, spoke at the launch.
She said the initiative supports the government’s digital transformation and institutional modernisation.
“This is not merely a communication tool. It is a platform for empowerment, reform, and reintegration. It enables inmates to maintain monitored contact with their families, a connection proven to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration into society,” she said.
The system was tested extensively at the Windhoek correctional facility.
Telio Communications Namibia and Germany’s Telio GmbH supplied the infrastructure, including hardware, software, staff training, and ongoing technical support.
The rollout cost the government nothing.
Inmate calling rates follow public payphone regulations.
Iipumbu said the system shows the government’s commitment to a correctional system that is secure and rehabilitative.
“Rehabilitation begins with the restoration of human dignity and connection,” she said.
She added that the system will improve transparency and trust in correctional facilities.
She praised the leadership of the Namibia Correctional Service for integrating the system and called on all staff to manage it properly and ethically.
“Only then will the true potential of this system be realised,” she said.
The Commissioner-General of the Namibia Correctional Service, Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela, said the system will reduce communication costs for inmates and their families and support better behaviour.
“Since 2019, we recorded good behaviour from many inmates at Windhoek correctional facility as a result of the installation of the Telio telephone,” he said.
Hamunyela urged inmates to use the system responsibly.
“To all inmates who will use this system, this is an opportunity for growth and healing. Use it responsibly. Let it serve your journey of change. I warn you, any attempt to misuse or exploit this service will not be tolerated and will be dealt with decisively,” he said.
The system includes secure real-time top-ups, centralised monitoring and recording, and administrative access for authorised correctional officials.
These features ensure communication remains secure and transparent and meets international standards.
Hamunyela said the system will be installed at other correctional facilities across Namibia in the coming months.
