Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has issued a stern warning to the public about a fraudulent scheme involving false promises of employment with the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS).
According to Deputy Commissioner John Kambimbi, spokesperson for the NCS, these fraudsters are soliciting money from unsuspecting individuals by claiming they can secure positions at the NCS in exchange for payment.
Kambimbi cited numerous instances in which these scams have deceived people.
In one notable case, a fraudulent recruiter demanded N$2,000 from a victim, falsely promising that the payment would cover the cost of specialised training in South Africa.
Kambimbi clarified that the NCS is currently finalising the shortlisting of candidates for the positions advertised in February.
“The shortlisting process has not yet been completed, and no candidates have been contacted at this stage,” Kambimbi said.
He added that the NCS will directly contact candidates after finalising the shortlist and making an official announcement.
Kambimbi also reiterated that the NCS does not require any payments for employment opportunities and urged the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities.
“We advise all individuals to be cautious and avoid making any payments to people claiming to be correctional officers or offering job placements for money,” he warned.
The public is strongly encouraged to report any fraudulent activities or attempts to solicit money under false pretences to the nearest police station.
Kambimbi emphasised that such scams not only exploit the financial situation of individuals but also tarnish the reputation of the NCS and the ministry at large.
He added that the ministry is committed to ensuring that the recruitment process remains transparent and merit-based.
Kambimbi assured the public that official channels will advertise all legitimate job opportunities within the NCS and that securing employment will not involve any financial transactions.
The ministry’s warning comes at a time when many are seeking employment opportunities, making the public particularly vulnerable to such scams. By raising awareness and encouraging vigilance, the ministry aims to protect individuals from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes and to maintain the integrity of the recruitment process for the Namibian Correctional Service.
Individuals can directly contact the NCS or visit the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security for further information and updates on the recruitment process.