President Nangolo Mbumba has called on the new police constables to be a formidable force that will aggressively defend the country from criminal elements.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the more than 1,000 police cadet constables at Oshakati, Mbumba reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability as new force members assume duty. 

The President reminded the graduates to ensure that the foundation laid by the founders of the Namibian Constitution—peace, unity, stability, reconciliation, and rule of law—is intact. 

The graduates, who underwent nine months of intense police training, performed a passing-out parade to the amusement of those in attendance. 

The 1,060 officers will be granted a two-week break before their deployment.

"The recruitment of these graduates into the force will strengthen our police operations nationwide, as some will be posted to guard borders to bolster security and ensure that criminal elements are prevented from entering our country and disturbing the peace and stability we continue to enjoy and cherish." 

Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo says the force is mobilising resources to ensure that officers have the necessary tools, training, and support to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently. 

"I, therefore, urge today's graduates as members of the Namibian Police Force to strive to the best of their ability to uphold the core values of our organisation, namely, courtesy, fairness, friendliness, transparency, helpfulness, non-discrimination and accessibility, integrity, communication, and information."

Graduates, who performed exceptionally, received medals and trophies. 

About ten cadet constables were dismissed from the training due to various reasons, while others withdrew from it.