Stefanus Nashama
The secretary of the Women and Men Network in the Oshana region has alleged that she is being threatened by senior members of the network for speaking publicly about the upcoming police recruitment process.
Nanghelo Shikongo, last week, raised concerns about the fairness of the recruitment, particularly the age limits imposed on applicants.
According to her, members who have contributed to the network over the years are excluded from being recruited into the police based solely on their age.
“There is a need for the Inspector-General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo to review the recruitment process,” he said.
Despite the age limit, she said members who have dedicated many years to the network should still be considered for roles such as cooking and cleaning within the police force.
“We understand that we are older, but we have spent many years in the network. At least we should be given something to do,” she said.
She further claimed that some network members have threatened to convene a meeting to discuss her public statements, adding that her concerns have been repeatedly ignored.
“If they believe that what I have expressed on local radio is wrong, why haven’t they taken our advice?” she asked.
Shikongo and other network members have suggested managing the network member recruitment process internally.
According to her, this would ensure that those who have truly dedicated their time and effort are prioritised.
“This suggestion has never even been considered for discussion,” Shikongo said.
Shikongo said that the issue was brought up with the Oshana regional police office, where it was made clear that applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 45 and have completed at least Grade 10.
She contended that the network is prioritising newer members over long-serving ones.
“Someone who has only been in the network for five years can be recruited, while those of us who have been here for many years are being left out,” Shikongo lamented.
Despite these challenges, Shikongo acknowledged that the police had increased the number of Women and Men Network members to be recruited this year from five to ten.
However, she urged the police to investigate the network’s concerns further.
“We appreciate what the police chief has done for us, but he should also look deeper into this. We know we are also capable of training, but we still have the energy to do something else in the force,” she stated.
Shikongo, who joined the network in 2010, advised the police to ensure that members who have made significant sacrifices for it are given fair opportunities during recruitment.
Simon Shapopi, another member of the Oshana network, agreed with Shikongo that the age limit was too low and asked why it was there.
“We have worked with people for many years. We have worked with the police to fight crime together. I do not think that we should excel through training since we are old but can still do something else instead,” said Shapopi.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Shavika shaKadhengi, the coordinator of the Oshana Women and Men Network, were unsuccessful.
Oshana Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Naftal Sakaria, confirmed he is aware of the network’s concerns.
“I am aware of these concerns. The issue lies with the requirements, and it has been explained very clearly,” Sakaria said.
Sakaria made it clear that the age limit was set to make sure that recruits would be able to handle the physical demands of police training.
“We do not want to break people with the training, which is why the age limit is important,” he added.
When asked about the idea of different roles, Sakaria said it wasn’t in his power and told the network to talk to the police inspector general about their concerns.
“I do not handle recruitment. Perhaps you should raise this concern with the Inspector General. However, all I know is that the inspector general has done a lot for them, and they should appreciate that,” he added.
