Over 3 000 sentenced to community service since 2010
During a rollout of community service orders (CSO) at the Karasburg Magistrate’s Court and Ariamsvlei Periodical Court last week, it was revealed that a total of 3 129 offenders have been sentenced to community service since 2010.
Of this figure, 2 781 offenders had completed their CSO by 31 December 2023, representing 89%.
"A total of 286 offenders, representing 9.1%, breached their sentencing conditions, while 62 offenders, representing 1.9%, were still actively engaged in fulfilling their sentencing conditions by that date.”
The CSO rollout in the //Karas Region is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the expansion of the programme nationwide, Namibia Correctional Service Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela said.
According to him, the programme has been rolled out to 51 of 71 targeted courts, with its introduction to Karasburg and Ariamsvlei bringing the total number of courts implementing the programme to 53 - 72% of the target.
"The aim is to ensure that the remaining 18 courts are covered in the next four years,” he added.
Alleviating overcrowding
Hamunyela said the utilisation of CSO as a sentencing alternative has the potential to "decrease the inmate population in correctional facilities" substantially, saving on state resources.
"By curbing the expenses associated with custodial care - including food, utilities, medication and related costs - limited resources can be redirected to address other pressing needs.
“Moreover, directing individuals with non-serious offences to participate in community service helps alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities," he said.
//Karas governor Aletha Frederick said for the initiative to be successful, regional leadership and the community must understand and support the programme.
"This initiative needs the endorsement of the regional leadership to help build public trust and ensure that this programme receives the necessary attention and resources.
“The community, in turn, can play a vital role in providing opportunities for offenders to participate in meaningful community service projects that benefit the constituency and region as a whole," she said.
Of this figure, 2 781 offenders had completed their CSO by 31 December 2023, representing 89%.
"A total of 286 offenders, representing 9.1%, breached their sentencing conditions, while 62 offenders, representing 1.9%, were still actively engaged in fulfilling their sentencing conditions by that date.”
The CSO rollout in the //Karas Region is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the expansion of the programme nationwide, Namibia Correctional Service Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela said.
According to him, the programme has been rolled out to 51 of 71 targeted courts, with its introduction to Karasburg and Ariamsvlei bringing the total number of courts implementing the programme to 53 - 72% of the target.
"The aim is to ensure that the remaining 18 courts are covered in the next four years,” he added.
Alleviating overcrowding
Hamunyela said the utilisation of CSO as a sentencing alternative has the potential to "decrease the inmate population in correctional facilities" substantially, saving on state resources.
"By curbing the expenses associated with custodial care - including food, utilities, medication and related costs - limited resources can be redirected to address other pressing needs.
“Moreover, directing individuals with non-serious offences to participate in community service helps alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities," he said.
//Karas governor Aletha Frederick said for the initiative to be successful, regional leadership and the community must understand and support the programme.
"This initiative needs the endorsement of the regional leadership to help build public trust and ensure that this programme receives the necessary attention and resources.
“The community, in turn, can play a vital role in providing opportunities for offenders to participate in meaningful community service projects that benefit the constituency and region as a whole," she said.
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