Raphael Hamunyela

Also known as: commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela · Hamunyela · Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela · Commissioner-General Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela · Commissioner-General · NCS Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela · Namibia Correctional Service Commissioner General Raphael Hamunyela · NCS Commissioner General · Liina Hamunyela

Commissioner-General of the Namibian Correctional Service leading rehabilitation and institutional reviews since 2026.

Society

Police reject condoms in cells amid rising rape cases

The News

Police regional commanders have rejected calls from HIV-AIDS activists to distribute condoms in police holding cells and prisons, where 24 cases of sodomy or rape involving inmates have been recorded since 2023/24, saying such provision would only encourage further offences. Health advocates and civil society organisations counter that condom access is a harm reduction and public health measure, noting that sexual violence occurs in detention facilities and that denying preventive tools does not stop such activity but only increases disease transmission.

18 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 18 February

Police reject condoms in cells amid rising rape cases
Police regional commanders have rejected calls from HIV-AIDS activists to distribute condoms in police holding cells and prisons, where 24 cases of sodomy or rape involving inmates have been recorded since 2023/24, saying such provision would only encourage further offences. Health advocates and civil society organisations counter that condom access is a harm reduction and public health measure, noting that sexual violence occurs in detention facilities and that denying preventive tools does not stop such activity but only increases disease transmission.
18 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 6 February

NCS conducts four-day organisational structure review workshop
The Namibia Correctional Service is reviewing its organisational structure to align with departmental strategy and improve efficiency. NCS Commissioner-General Raphael Hamunyela stated the review aims to reduce bureaucracy, strengthen coordination across functions, ensure appropriate staffing capacity, and improve security and service delivery—framing it as continuous improvement rather than a fault-finding exercise.
6 February 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 3 February

Windhoek correctional officer suspended after misconduct caught on CCTV
A female officer at Windhoek Correctional Facility has been suspended and is under investigation after being seen on CCTV entering a bathroom with a male inmate in violation of facility rules. The Namibia Correctional Service commissioner said the outcome of the investigation will determine whether the officer is dismissed.
3 February 2026 · New Era →
Correctional Service reviews structure to improve efficiency
The Namibian Correctional Service held a four-day workshop to review its organisational structure, which has been in place since April 2020. The review aims to clarify roles, reduce duplication and bureaucracy, and improve coordination between key functions including security, rehabilitation, and human resources.
3 February 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 29 January

SDA Church strengthens partnership with Namibian Correctional Service
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has deepened its partnership with the Namibian Correctional Service to rehabilitate inmates through spiritual guidance, counselling, and religious instruction, with the NCS commissioner noting that faith-based engagement has helped create calmer correctional environments and improved inmate behaviour. The partnership also includes training correctional officers in counselling, behaviour control, and leadership, while emphasising the importance of community support for former offenders to prevent reoffending.
29 January 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 28 January

Namibia lacks clear policy for LGBTQ+ individuals in custody
Namibia's correctional service and police rely on sex-based housing classifications for detainees, with no specific law or publicly available policy addressing how transgender individuals should be accommodated. Human rights activists warn that LGBTQ+ detainees face discrimination and heightened risks of abuse, and call for comprehensive intake assessments, gender-affirming care, staff training, and confidentiality protections.
28 January 2026 · New Era →

Friday 16 January

NCS defends recruitment of police chief's daughter
The Namibian Correctional Services denies nepotism claims in the hiring of Leefa Shikongo's daughter, stating she met all requirements for a hairdresser position after scoring 84% on written and practical assessments, and holds a Health Caregiver certificate.
16 January 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 6 January

NCS clinic opens in Kaoko-Otavi with strong community collaboration
The Commissioner-General of the Namibia Correctional Service said that meaningful development requires active community participation, highlighting the successful completion of a facility clinic in Kunene Region thanks to collaboration with local traditional leaders and community members.
6 January 2026 · Informanté →