Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security Lucia Iipumbu has highlighted progress by the ministry in strengthening national security, enhancing policing capacity, and improving correctional services across the country.
The ministry says the annual firearm amnesty campaign held in September last year resulted in dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition being voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
The ministry has also strengthened police capacity through training programmes and the deployment of new cadet constables nationwide.
"Our work touches the lives of every person in Namibia, from the registration of a child at birth to the issuance of national identity documents and travelling documents such as passports and emergency travel documents. We also assist with the responsibility of protecting our borders, the prevention of crimes and the rehabilitation of those in our correctional facilities."
The ministry also reported improvements in infrastructure and operations, including the acquisition of more than 150 operational vehicles and the implementation of a digital communication system for motor radios.
New police infrastructure projects were also completed, including the construction of the Omashite Police Station and upgrades to the Swakopmund Police Station.
Meanwhile, the Namibian Corrections Service continues to expand its rehabilitation and development programmes.
"The Ministry has intensified efforts to modernise our systems. We have also taken an initiative to expand service delivery to underserved communities. We have also strengthened border and internal security, enhanced institutional capacity and advanced the legal and policy framework in line with the National Development Priorities (NDP6) and the Swapo Party Manifesto. Coming to civil registration, national documents are essential instruments for establishing legal identity. They also help us to secure our rights while fostering our belonging."
The correctional service has recruited more than 400 officers, while additional officers are currently undergoing training.
In addition, inmates across various correctional facilities are contributing to national food security through agricultural production valued at over N$22 million.