The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has commenced the pre-selection process for candidates shortlisted for the current intake.

Over 240 shortlisted candidates took part in the series of basic training tests at Katima Mulilo.

The tests included a general English written exam, followed by physical assessments consisting of a 2.4-kilometre run, which candidates were required to complete within 13 minutes for men and 14 minutes and 30 seconds for women, followed by push-ups and sit-ups for all participants.

The regional recruitment officer for the Zambezi Region, Lieutenant Colonel Tangeni Shikomba, said that so far, everything was going smoothly.

"I think these candidates are ready because looking at their time, they managed to come from the start line until the finishing line; most of them are within the set time."

Those unable to meet the requirements from all tests conducted will be eliminated, as the number of shortlisted candidates by far exceeds the required number.

"We are only looking for 96 candidates from the Zambezi Region plus 24 National Youth Services. That's the number we are looking for, and eight drivers, so in view of the number that we already have here, the ones that are shortlisted here today are about 240, and out of that they will be eliminated; we will cut them in half."

Those who will meet the set requirements will be notified in time to prepare for the next phase.

Although the elimination process is based on the percentage of each candidate's performance on all tests, Lieutenant Colonel Shikomba indicated that they will still need to go through police fingerprints screening and medical testing set to be done next week, which will further determine whether or not they qualify to proceed with the rest of the training.