Behind The Walls - NCS

They don’t tell you how much you’ll change—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually—when you sign up to become a correctional officer. You step into training thinking it’s about rules, uniforms, and routines. But what many don’t see is how those months shape you into someone who can stay calm in chaos, spot a threat before it escalates, and lead with both firmness and compassion. In this blog, I want to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare for the unexpected. I will share my personal experience going through the intensive basic training program at the Lisius Sumbwanyambe Mahoto Correctional Training College in Omaruru and how it changed not just my skills, but also my mindset. From physical endurance to mental resilience, from learning self-defense tactics to managing volatile situations, this training became the foundation for who I am today as a correctional officer. The Reality of Basic Training When I made the decision to leave m...

Correctional officers walk a unique and often misunderstood path. While society tends to glamorize or dramatize life behind prison walls through movies and headlines, the truth is far more complex—and far less recognized. In this blog, I want to unpack some of the most common myths about correctional officers—many of which I’ve personally heard or seen echoed on social media—and set the record straight. Misconceptions about corrections are usually formed by those who have never set foot in a correctional facility or taken time to understand the role of a correctional officer. These assumptions can be dehumanizing and damaging, not just to the officers, but to the justice system as a whole. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. Here are a few of the most persistent myths society holds—and the truth behind them: 1. "Inmates in solitary confinement are victims of cruel officers." Truth: Inmates placed in solitary or administrative segregation are not being punished ar...

Working as a correctional officer is not for the faint of heart. This role demands exceptional mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual resilience, as well as deep patience and an understanding of human behavior. Beyond maintaining order, correctional facilities serve a critical purpose in rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society. In this blog, I want to explore what rehabilitation looks like within the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) and the impact these programs have on the lives of offenders. More than that, I want to invite you—our readers—to join the conversation about prison reform and the role of rehabilitation in creating safer communities. Understanding Rehabilitation Rehabilitation helps inmates recognize the harm caused by their actions—to their victims, to society, and to themselves. It encourages them to take responsibility for their crimes and understand the consequences. More importantly, it allows them to reflect on the underlying c...