A total of 670 cadets graduated from the Police Basic Training Course from Pius Kaundu Police Training Centre in the Omaheke Region.
The graduation ceremony, which was addressed by Vice President Lucia Witbooi, was themed "Courage under Pressure. Honour in Service."
The graduating class comprised 382 female and 288 male cadets, reflecting the continued growth and diversity of the Namibian Police Force.
Vice President Witbooi said the graduation marks an important step for the country as another group of young Namibians steps forward to serve their communities.
She encouraged the graduates to carry out their duties with integrity and dedication, noting that the work of law enforcement officers extends beyond maintaining order.
"This ceremony reaffirms our country's unwavering commitment to peace, security, justice and the rule of law. It is also a demonstration of our determination to build a professional, disciplined and people-centred police force capable of responding effectively to the evolving security challenges of our country. As a nation, we take pride in Namibia's continued peace and stability. This achievement should never be taken for granted," said Witbooi.
The Vice President continued to emphasise the responsibility the new graduates carry. "The responsibility that these graduates assume today is therefore directly linked to the broader national aspirations of the Republic of Namibia. It is within this broader context of nation-building and sustainable development that our government continues to invest in strengthening the capacity, the professionalism and the effectiveness of our security institutions."
The Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, reminded the graduates that policing is also about strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities and encouraged them to be good ambassadors.
"The communities you will serve must see in you the face of a government that listens, the government that protects and the government that responds. Public trust is not demanded by rank, but it's the order of the day; it is earned daily through discipline, courtesy, ethical conduct, timely service delivery and respect for the dignity of every person who will seek assistance from you."
Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, the acting Inspector General of the police, said, "You must therefore remain faithful to the oath you are about to take and be ambassadors of peace and justice and national unity."