VIP protectors unqualified

AROUND 10 Namibian Police officers serving State House were this year promoted without meeting requirements.

The Namibian has established that the officers, whose names are known, were previously working as cleaners and truck drivers before they were appointed as constables and promoted to sergeants, and this year to warrant officers.

Another three working in the Close Protection Sub Division at State House as bodyguards to the President were also promoted in this manner, with most having only joined the force in May 2012, but now serving as warrant officers rank one and rank two.

Police have a set number of years which an individual must serve before being promoted and thus move up a rank from constable to inspector. However, these requirements have at times been overlooked.

To move from constable to warrant officer rank two, one needs to have served four years before each promotion, while only three years of service are needed to be promoted to warrant officer rank one and two, as well as to the position of an inspector.

According to an inside source, the 10 officers only went for basic police training after being promoted to warrant officers rank one and two, while having served less than 2 years.

VIP protection unit staff leaders are also accused of nepotism.

Speaking to The Namibian last week, Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga said he does not know about any of the allegations, and called on people with information to seek his audience.

“Most people are promoted because they have qualifications, or when they have been recommended by their station commander. It is not just done out of the blue,” he said.

Ndeitunga stated that appointing people to work for State House is not something that can be taken lightly.

“I urge anyone with information to come to us instead of going to the media,” he added.

Commissioner Michael Abraham of the VIP Protection Unit at State House denied that any such incidents exist, referring questions to head of department, commissioner Oscar Embubulu, who refused to comment.

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