Only 49 of 1 351 parolees return to crime in three years

Only 49, or fewer than 4%, of the 1 351 offenders released on parole in the past three years have reoffended, reflecting a system built on rigorous assessment, not blind trust.

Data shared by the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) shows that in 2023, 19 parolees reoffended, followed by 11 in 2024 and another 19 in 2025.

Over a longer period, 2 354 offenders were released on parole over the past five years.

The NCS says the relatively low number of reoffences must be viewed against the total number of people released under supervision.

The figures also show that the most common crimes committed by parolees who reoffended include theft, housebreaking with intent to steal and theft, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

These are among the offences that typically raise concern when committed by individuals already on supervised release.

Multi-pronged approach

Parole in Namibia is not granted automatically. Instead, it follows a structured legal process involving multiple decision-making bodies.

These include the National Release Board, the commissioner-general of correctional services, the minister responsible for correctional services, and, in certain cases, the president.

At facility level, institutional release committees first assess inmates and make recommendations to the National Release Board.

The board then determines whether offenders qualify for release or whether their cases should be escalated for further consideration.

Eligibility for parole depends on the type of offence committed.

Offenders convicted of non-scheduled crimes generally become eligible after serving half of their sentence, while those convicted of scheduled offences such as murder, rape, robbery and drug-related crimes must serve two-thirds before being considered.

However, eligibility does not guarantee supervised release.

Several factors are assessed before a decision is made, including behaviour while incarcerated, participation in rehabilitation programmes, psychological evaluations and formal risk assessments.

Demonstrated remorse, acceptance of responsibility and insight into the impact of the offence are also considered.

Careful selection process

In total, 963 inmates have not been authorised for release on full parole or probation since the establishment of the National Release Board.

Parole supervision also does not end at release.

Parolees are monitored by community supervision officers deployed across 14 correctional facilities.

Offenders are placed under different levels of supervision depending on their risk profile.

Intensive supervision applies to high-risk offenders, moderate supervision to those assessed as medium risk, and low supervision to those considered low risk.

Monitoring includes face-to-face consultations, telephone contact, home or site visits and continuous review of compliance with parole conditions.

Only eight formal appeals have been lodged against parole or probation decisions to date.

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