Nearly 40 000 Namibians applied for just 2 000 cadet constable posts with the Namibian Police, with shortlisted candidates now sitting through medical, fitness and English proficiency tests ahead of training set to begin in October.

The recruitment drive, advertised in August, comprised 1 000 positions open to the general public, 150 positions targeting former detectives and people with specialised skills, and 600 positions for members of the National Youth Service (NYS), alongside candidates drawn from crime prevention forums and other professional categories.

The specialised intake includes candidates with experience in commercial crime, protected resources, anti-money laundering, drug law enforcement and human trafficking, as well as qualifications in legal studies, policing-related fields, computer science with a major in cybersecurity, and financial or commercial studies.

National spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said the high volume of applications vying for the positions streamed in from across the country.

“Following the initial verification and screening process, each region shortlisted over 200 candidates,” Shikwambi said.

The shortlisting process, which commenced on 10 August, is scheduled to conclude on 5 September. Police said no irregularities had been reported since the recruitment process began.

Upon completion of the assessments, 71 candidates from each region will be selected for recruitment and admission into police basic training.

The police warned applicants to be vigilant against recruitment scams, stressing that candidates are not required to pay money or provide gifts or any other form of consideration at any stage of the recruitment process.

“No one whatsoever, not even police officers, is authorised to solicit money or promise employment in exchange for payment,” Shikwambi said.

She urged anyone approached with such demands to report the matter immediately, either directly to her or to the police conduct investigation directorate.