Acute staff shortage hits Divundu Correctional Facility in Kavango East
Of the 703 approved posts, only 183 are currently filled
Despite a recent memo allowing recruitment beyond the usual 200 officers per year—and two intakes already held in 2025—the facility remains critically understaffed.
Divundu Correctional Facility in the Kavango East Region is operating at just 26% of its approved staffing capacity, with a shortfall of 520 officers.
This was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Saima Kamwangha during a press briefing at the facility.
Of the 703 officer posts approved for the facility, only 183 are currently filled—95 men and 88 women.
Inmate population approaching capacity
Divundu has a capacity of 530 inmates and is currently housing 440. Among the inmates are 36 Angolan nationals, four Zimbabweans, and one Zambian.
Kamwangha said the staff shortage has resulted in single officers being responsible for supervising multiple blocks of inmates. Despite a recent memo allowing recruitment beyond the usual 200 officers per year—and two intakes already held in 2025—the facility remains critically understaffed.
Divundu is one of 13 correctional facilities under the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), which collectively have a combined inmate capacity of approximately 5 400.
Kamwangha noted that although the vacant posts exist, they fall under the authority of NCS headquarters and are being addressed at that level.
Government recruitment drive
As part of government efforts to reduce youth unemployment, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare recently announced that 4 310 young people are being recruited into the public sector across all 14 regions. Within the NCS, 278 graduates have already been absorbed, and an additional 450 trainees are expected to report for duty on 1 August.
Infrastructure and Welfare Concerns
Ngurare also acknowledged operational challenges faced by correctional facilities, including personnel shortages, lack of uniforms, inadequate security equipment, housing constraints, and transport limitations. He called on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to prioritise staff housing development—starting in Windhoek.
He further urged new recruits to maintain discipline and integrity and warned against collusion in smuggling or aiding inmate escapes.
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This was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner Saima Kamwangha during a press briefing at the facility.
Of the 703 officer posts approved for the facility, only 183 are currently filled—95 men and 88 women.
Inmate population approaching capacity
Divundu has a capacity of 530 inmates and is currently housing 440. Among the inmates are 36 Angolan nationals, four Zimbabweans, and one Zambian.
Kamwangha said the staff shortage has resulted in single officers being responsible for supervising multiple blocks of inmates. Despite a recent memo allowing recruitment beyond the usual 200 officers per year—and two intakes already held in 2025—the facility remains critically understaffed.
Divundu is one of 13 correctional facilities under the Namibia Correctional Service (NCS), which collectively have a combined inmate capacity of approximately 5 400.
Kamwangha noted that although the vacant posts exist, they fall under the authority of NCS headquarters and are being addressed at that level.
Government recruitment drive
As part of government efforts to reduce youth unemployment, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare recently announced that 4 310 young people are being recruited into the public sector across all 14 regions. Within the NCS, 278 graduates have already been absorbed, and an additional 450 trainees are expected to report for duty on 1 August.
Infrastructure and Welfare Concerns
Ngurare also acknowledged operational challenges faced by correctional facilities, including personnel shortages, lack of uniforms, inadequate security equipment, housing constraints, and transport limitations. He called on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to prioritise staff housing development—starting in Windhoek.
He further urged new recruits to maintain discipline and integrity and warned against collusion in smuggling or aiding inmate escapes.
[email protected]
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