Africa-Press – Namibia. The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) has been urged to take an active interest in the ongoing parliamentary debate on the mental health bill, as the proposed law has significant implications for the rehabilitation of offenders.
This call was made by the chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on international relations, defence and security, James Uerikua, during committee members’ courtesy visit to the NCS leadership on Thursday.
Minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao tabled the mental health bill of 2025 in the National Assembly on Tuesday, stating that it seeks to transform mental healthcare in Namibia.
Uerikua said since the bill is currently under discussion, he urged NCS commissioner general Raphael Hamunyela and his leadership team to contribute to the debate through the committee.
“I urge your members to be following, and in cases where you think you need participation and contribution to that very bill, the committee sits here,” Uerikua said.
The lawmaker further emphasised that the bill aims to strengthen the government’s capacity to address mental health challenges, which are closely linked to the correctional service’s rehabilitation mandate.
He said the committee remains committed to supporting the NCS in addressing challenges such as staff shortages and funding constraints, while continuing to celebrate its achievements in rehabilitation and self-sustainability.
Hamunyela welcomed the tabling of the bill, saying it would assist the NCS in managing mental health issues within correctional facilities.
Namibia currently has a correctional population of 4 688 inmates, comprising 4 544 men and 144 women, of which 4 545 have been sentenced and 143 are awaiting trial.
The facilities also accommodate 12 minors, of which five have been sentenced and seven are awaiting trial, as well as 64 men with disabilities.
Hamunyela further revealed that 257 men and 414 women in custody are classified as ‘state president’s decision’ recipients, meaning they suffer from mental health challenges and cannot stand trial.
He cited a recent case in the Omusati region, where a woman (39) allegedly killed her grandmother (89) with a panga, reportedly due to mental instability.
Hamunyela said such incidents highlight the growing number of offenders with mental health-related problems currently held across various correctional facilities.
“These are people who cannot stand trial because of their mental condition,” he explained, noting that a dedicated facility exists to accommodate such individuals.
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