Hamunyela Defends Recruitment of Inspector-General’s Daughter

By: Josia Shigwedha

The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) Commissioner-General, Raphael Hamunyela, has clarified the recruitment of Leefa Shikongo, the daughter of the Police Inspector-General, following public claims that she only holds a Grade 9 qualification and therefore did not qualify to be recruited into the Correctional Service.

In a statement, Hamunyela said Shikongo demonstrated a high level of experience and knowledge in hairdressing, as confirmed by a written assessment conducted at the Ministerial Headquarters on 8 May 2025 and a practical assessment held at the Windhoek Female Correctional Facility on 14 May 2025. She obtained an overall score of 84%, which met the recruitment requirements for a hairdresser position.

He further noted that Shikongo holds a Certificate in Healthcare Giving from D’Expert Health Care Close Corporation, a qualification he described as valuable to the NCS, particularly in supporting the management and care of inmates with mental health conditions.

Hamunyela added that Shikongo successfully completed a three-month Basic Orientation Training course at the Rietfontein Training Centre in the Otjozondjupa Region on 1 December 2025. Following the completion of her training, she was appointed to the position of Correctional Officer I, Grade 12, and stationed at the Windhoek Correctional Facil