Correctional Service Act, 2012. · No. 5008 Government Gazette 7 August 2012 3 Act No. 9, 2012...

N$38.80 WINDHOEK-7August2012 No.5008

GOVERNMENT GAZETTEOF THE

REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

CONTENTSPage

GOVERNMENT NOTICE

No.203 PromulgationofCorrectionalServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012),oftheParliament 1________________

Government Notice

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

No.203 2012

PROMULGATIONOFACTOFPARLIAMENT

ThefollowingActwhichhasbeenpassedbytheParliamentandsignedbythePresidentintermsoftheNamibianConstitutionisherebypublishedintermsofArticle56ofthatConstitution.

No.9of2012: CorrectionalServiceAct,2012._______________

2 GovernmentGazette7August2012 No.5008

Act No. 9, 2012 CORRECTIONAL SERVICE ACT, 2012

ACTTo provide for the establishment of the Namibian Correctional Service and

for matters incidental thereto.

(Signed by the President on 20 July 2012)

ARRANGEMENTOFSECTIONS

1. Definitions

PARTIESTABLISHMENT,FUNCTIONSANDADMINISTRATIONOF

NAMIBIANCORRECTIONALSERVICE

2. EstablishmentofNamibianCorrectionalService3. FunctionsofCorrectionalService4. PrinciplesthatguideCorrectionalService5. AppointmentandfunctionsofCommissioner-General6. RemovalofCommissioner-General7. CommissionsbyPresident8. Appointment, promotion, demotion, discharge or resignation of correctional

officers9. CorrectionalofficersassignedtoanypartofNamibia10. Assistancebymembersofpoliceinemergency11. Temporarycorrectionalofficers12. EstablishmentandconstitutionofCouncilandtermsofofficeofmembers13. FunctionsofCouncil14. MeetingsofCouncil

PARTIIESTABLISHMENT,ADMINISTRATIONANDCONTROLOFCORRECTIONAL

FACILITIESANDCORRECTIONALCOMMUNITYCENTRES

15. Establishmentofcorrectionalfacilities16. Temporarycorrectionalfacilities17. Maleandfemaleinmatestobeconfinedseparately18. Officerincharge19. Inspectionofcorrectionalfacilities20. Securitylevels21. Establishmentofcorrectionalcommunitycentres22. Temporarycorrectionalcommunitycentres

PARTIIIHEALTHCARESERVICESFOROFFENDERSANDHYGIENE

23. Guidingprinciplesandappointmentofmedicalofficer24. Functionsofmedicalofficer25. Observationofinmatesinsolitaryconfinementorcorrectionalhospital26. Dutyupondeathofoffender27. Observationandtransferofmentallyillinmates28. TransferofinmatetoStatehospital29. Custodyofinmateinstatehospitalormentalinstitution30. Hygiene

No.5008 GovernmentGazette7August2012 3


PARTIVPOWERS,DUTIES,FUNCTIONSANDPRIVILEGESOFCORRECTIONAL

OFFICERS

31. Generalresponsibilitiesandfunctionsofcorrectionalofficers32. Correctionalofficersresponsibleforsecurityanddisciplineofoffenders33. Correctionalofficerstoexercisepolicepowers34. Restrictiononsanctionsagainstoffenders35. Useofforceorweaponsbycorrectionalofficers36. Powertotakephotographs,fingerprints,etc37. Privilegesofcorrectionalofficers

PARTVSEARCHANDSEIZURE

38. Searchingofoffenders39. Searchingofcells40. Searchingofcorrectionalofficers,buildingsandresidentialhouses41. Searchingofvisitors42. Searchingofvehicles43. Justificationofsearch44. Arrest45. Seizure46. Mannerofsearch

PARTVIOFFENCESAGAINSTTHECORRECTIONALSERVICE

47. Mutiny48. Assaultbycorrectionalofficeronanothercorrectionalofficer49. Miscellaneousotheroffencesbycorrectionalofficersorpersonsemployedinor

aboutCorrectionalService

PARTVIIDISCIPLINEOFCORRECTIONALOFFICERS

50. Disciplinaryoffencesbycorrectionalofficers51. Disciplinaryinquiriesintoconductofseniorcorrectionalofficers52. Appealsbyseniorcorrectionalofficers53. Disciplinary proceedings against senior correctional officer not to prejudice

civilorcriminalliability54. Disciplinaryinquiriesintoconductofjuniorcorrectionalofficers55. Appealsbyjuniorcorrectionalofficers56. Disciplinary proceedings against junior correctional officer not to prejudice

civilorcriminalliability57. Inefficiencyandunsuitabilityofcorrectionalofficers58. Suspensionanddismissalofcorrectionalofficers59. Absenteeism,desertionanddismissal60. Emolumentsnottoaccrueduringabsencewithoutleaveorimprisonment



PARTVIIIADMISSIONANDCUSTODYOFOFFENDERS

61. Admissionofoffendersintocorrectionalfacility62. Admissionoffemaleoffenderswithinfantsandadmissionofpregnantoffenders63. Disposalofoffender’spersonaleffects64. Separationandsecurityclassificationandre-classificationofoffenders65. Offendersincustodyofofficerincharge66. Custodyoffemaleoffenders67. Custodyofpersonunderarrest68. Custodyofremandedoffenders69. Custodyofjuvenilesawaitingtrialorawaitingconclusionoftrial70. Escortofoffenderstocourtsandoffendersunderpoliceescort71. Offenderrequiredatcourt72. Preparationofdefencebyoffender73. Questioningofoffenderbymemberofpolice74. Transferofoffenderfromonecorrectionalfacilitytoanother75. OffenderstobeinformedofprovisionsofActandapplicablerules,ordersand

directives76. Offenders’inputintodecisions77. Visitors,receivingofletters,procurementofnecessariesandotherprivileges78. Lettersanddocumentswrittenbyoronbehalfofoffender

PARTIXPENALTIESFORCERTAINOFFENCES

79. Possessionofprohibitedarticle80. Unlawfulconveyance,dispatch,deliveryortransmission81. Unauthorisedentranceinto,andloiteringnear,correctionalfacility82. Unauthorisedpublications83. Assistingoffendertoescape84. Unlawfulwearingofuniform,insigniaordecoration

PARTXDISCIPLINEOFOFFENDERS

85. Minordisciplinaryoffencesbyoffenders86. Majordisciplinaryoffencesbyoffenders87. Isolationofoffender88. Disciplinaryinquiryfor,ortrialof,offenders89. Sanctionsformajordisciplinaryoffencestobeimposedatdisciplinaryinquiry90. Appealsbyoffenders91. Sanctionsformajordisciplinaryoffencestobeimposedattrial92. Provisionsrelatingtoinmate’sconfinementinsinglecell93. Disciplinary proceedings against offender not to prejudice civil or criminal

liability

PARTXIREHABILITATIONPROGRAMMESFOROFFENDERS

94. Purposeofrehabilitationprogrammes95. Workprogrammesandrequirementtowork



96. Agreementsforemploymentandtrainingofoffenders97. Gratuitiesforoffenders

PARTXIIEXECUTIONOFSENTENCES

98. Admissionregister99. Commencement,computationandexpiryofsentence100. Re-arrestofoffenderreleasederroneously101. Imprisonmentondefaultofpaymentoffine102. Periodicimprisonment103. Confinementandrestraintofoffender

PARTXIIIRELEASEOFOFFENDERS

104. EstablishmentofNationalReleaseBoard105. FunctionsofNationalReleaseBoard106. PrinciplesthatguideNationalReleaseBoard107. Remissionofsentence108. PardonorreprievebyPresident109. Releaseonmedicalgrounds110. Releaseofoffenderondayparole111. Temporaryabsenceofoffender112. Releaseonfullparoleorprobationofoffendersservingtermsofimprisonment113. Appealsbyoffenders114. Releaseonfullparoleorprobationofoffendersservingimprisonmentofless

thantwentyyearsforscheduledcrimesoroffences115. Releaseonfullparoleorprobationofoffendersservingimprisonmentoftwenty

yearsormoreforscheduledcrimesoroffences116. Releaseofhabitualcriminals117. Releaseofoffenderssentencedtolifeimprisonment118. Reviewofcaseswhenreleaseonfullparoleorprobationisnotauthorised119. Officerinchargeresponsibleforreleaseofoffenders120. Dayofreleaseofoffender121. Travelexpensesofreleasedoffender

PARTXIVVISITINGJUSTICESANDMINISTERSOFRELIGION

122. Visitingjustices123. Functionsofvisitingjustices124. Ministersofreligion125. Visitsbyprobationofficersandrepresentativesofoffenders’aidsocieties

PARTXVMISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS

126. Rewardforapprehensionofescapedoffender127. Rewardsorgratuitiesforcorrectionalofficers128. Detentionofoffenderssentencedabroad129. Transferofoffenderstoothercountries130. Delegationofpowers,functionsorduties



131. ExemptionofCorrectionalServiceclubsfromcertaintaxes,dutiesandfees132. Regulations133. Indemnityandlimitationofactions134. Repealoflawsandsavings135. ShorttitleandcommencementSchedules

BE IT ENACTEDbytheParliamentofNamibiaasfollows:

Definitions

1. InthisAct,unlessthecontextotherwiseindicates-

“Commissioner-General” means the Commissioner-General of Correctional ServiceappointedunderArticle32(4)(c)(cc)oftheNamibianConstitution;

“correctional communitycentre”meansacorrectional communitycentreestablishedunder section 21, and includes a temporary correctional community centre declaredundersection22;

“correctionalfacility”meansacorrectionalfacilityestablishedundersection15,andincludesatemporarycorrectionalfacilitydeclaredassuchundersection16and,forthepurposeofsections65and86ofthisAct,includeseveryplaceusedasapolicecellorlock-up;

“correctional officer” means a member of the Correctional Service of one of theprescribedranksofcorrectionalofficersandforthepurposesofsection11,includesatemporarycorrectionalofficer;

“CorrectionalService”meanstheNamibianCorrectionalServiceestablishedbysection2;

“Council”meanstheCorrectionalServiceCouncilestablishedbysection12;

“court”meansacourtoflawofcompetentjurisdiction;

“day”meansanyday,includingSaturday,Sundayorpublicholiday;

“deputyofficerincharge”,inrelationtoacorrectionalfacility,meansthecorrectionalofficerappointedundersection18(1)asdeputyofficer inchargeof thatcorrectionalfacility;

“disciplinaryboard”meansadisciplinaryboardappointedundersection51(1);

“disciplinaryinquiry”,inrelationtoaseniorcorrectionalofficer,meansadisciplinaryinquiryreferredtoinsection51or,inrelationtoajuniorcorrectionalofficer,section54or,inrelationtoanoffender,section88(1)(a);

“disciplinaryoffence”,inrelationtoacorrectionalofficer,meansanoffencereferredtoinsection50or,inrelationtoanoffender,sections85or86;

“infant”meansachildyoungerthan2yearsofage;



“Inspector-General”meanstheInspector-GeneralofPolicereferredtoinArticle116oftheNamibianConstitution;

“inmate”meansanyperson,whetherconvictedornot,whois lawfullydetainedinacorrectionalfacility;

“juniorcorrectionalofficer”meansacorrectionalofficerofoneoftheprescribedranksofjuniorcorrectionalofficers;

“juvenile”meansapersonbelowtheageof18years;

“mechanicalrestraint”meansphysicalrestraintofanoffenderbytheuseofhandcuffs,straight-jacketoranyotherprescribedformofrestraint;

“medicalofficer”meansthemedicalpractitionerappointedorassignedundersection23asamedicalofficerofacorrectionalfacility;

“medical practitioner” means a medical practitioner as defined in section 1 of theMedicalandDentalAct,2004(ActNo.10of2004);

“memberofthepolice”meansamemberoftheNamibianPoliceForceasdefinedinsection1ofthePoliceAct,1990(ActNo.19of1990);

“Minister”meanstheMinisterresponsibleforCorrectionalService;

“Ministry”meanstheMinistryresponsibleforCorrectionalService;

“NationalReleaseBoard”meanstheNationalReleaseBoardestablishedundersection104;

“offender”meansaninmate,oraconvictedpersonwhoisoutsideacorrectionalfacilityby reasonof parole, temporary absence, releasewith remissionor escapeor by anyotherreasonbutisunderthesupervisionofacorrectionalofficerorofanyotherpersonauthorisedbytheCorrectionalServiceorunderanylaw;

“officerincharge”,inrelationtoacorrectionalfacility,meanstheseniorcorrectionalofficerappointedundersection18(1);

“PermanentSecretary”meansthePermanentSecretaryoftheMinistry;

“prescribe”meansprescribebyregulation;

“presidingofficer”, in relation to section54,means a correctionalofficer authorisedto conduct a disciplinary inquiry referred to in that sectionor, in relation to section88(1)(a),theofficerinchargeoranyothercorrectionalofficerauthorisedtoconductadisciplinaryinquiryreferredtointhatsection;“probationofficer”meansaprobationofficerasdefinedinsection1oftheChildren’sAct,1960(ActNo.33of1960);

“prohibitedarticle”meansanarticleorobjectprescribedtobeaprohibitedarticle;



“PublicService”meansthePublicServiceasestablishedunderthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995);

“regulation”meansaregulationmadeundersection132;

“scheduled crimes or offences” means crimes or offences referred to in the ThirdSchedule;

“seniorcorrectionalofficer”meansacorrectionalofficerofoneoftheprescribedranksofseniorcorrectionalofficers;

“staffmember”meansastaffmemberasdefinedinsection1ofthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995);

“temporarycorrectionalofficer”meansapersonappointedasatemporarycorrectionalofficerundersection11;

“thisAct”includestheregulationsmadethereunder;

“visitingjustice”meansavisitingjusticereferredtoinsection122;and

“weapon”includesafirearm,baton,tear-gas,oranyotherprescribedimplement.

PARTIESTABLISHMENT,FUNCTIONSANDADMINISTRATIONOF

NAMIBIANCORRECTIONALSERVICE

Establishment of Namibian Correctional Service

2. (1) ThereisherebyestablishedacorrectionalservicetobeknownastheNamibianCorrectionalService.

(2) TheCorrectionalServiceconsistsof-

(a) theCommissioner-Generalof theCorrectionalService,appointedbythePresidentinaccordancewithArticle32(4)(c)(cc)oftheNamibianConstitution,whoistheheadoftheCorrectionalService;

(b) suchcorrectionalofficersasmaybeappointedundersection8;and

(c) suchstaffmembersasmaybeappointedunderthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995)andpostedtotheCorrectionalService.

(3) Anymemberof thePrisonServiceappointedundersections6and7of thePrisonsAct,1998(ActNo.17of1998),andinserviceat thecommencementof thisAct,continues,notwithstanding therepealof thatActby thisAct, toserve intheNamibianCorrectionalServicewithduerecognitionofhisorherperiodofserviceundertheActsorepealed,asifheorshewereacorrectionalofficerofcomparablerankappointedunderthisAct.

Functions of Correctional Service

3. ThefunctionsoftheCorrectionalServiceare-



(a) to ensure that every inmate is secured in safe and humane custody,within a correctional facility, until lawfully discharged or removedtherefrom;

(b) torenderhealthcaretoinmates;

(c) as far as practicable, to apply such rehabilitation programmes andother meaningful and constructive activities to sentenced offendersthatcontributetotheirrehabilitationandsuccessfulreintegrationintocommunityaslawabidingcitizens;

(d) tosuperviseoffenderswhoareonconditionalrelease;

(e) toperformallworknecessary for, arising from,or incidental to, theeffective management, administration and control of correctionalfacilitiesandcommunitycorrectionalcentres;and

(f) toperformsuchotherfunctionsasthePresidentmayfromtimetotimeassigntotheCorrectionalService.

Principles that guide Correctional Service

4. The principles that guide the Correctional Service in fulfilling thefunctionsreferredtoinsection3are–

(a) thatthesentenceiscarriedouthavingregardtoallrelevantavailableinformation, including the stated reasons and recommendations ofthe sentencing court, other information from the trial or sentencingprocess, the release policies, comments from the National ReleaseBoard,andinformationobtainedfromvictimsofthecrimecommittedandoffenders;

(b) thattheCorrectionalServiceenhancesitseffectivenessandopennessthrough the timely exchange of relevant information with othercomponentsofthecriminaljusticesystem,andthroughcommunicationabout its correctional policies andprogrammes to offenders, victimsandthepublic;

(c) that theCorrectionalService facilitates the involvementofmembersof thepublic inmatters relating to theoperationof theCorrectionalService;

(d) that correctional decisions aremade in a forthright and fairmanner,withaccessbytheoffendertoaneffectivegrievanceprocedure;

(e) thatoffendersareexpectedtoobeycorrectionalrulesandconditionsofreleaseandtoactivelyparticipateinprogrammesdesignedtopromotetheirrehabilitationandreintegration;and

(f) thatcorrectionalofficersareproperlyselectedandtrained,andgiven–

(i) appropriatecareerdevelopmentopportunities,



(ii) goodworkingconditions,includingaworkplaceenvironmentthat is free of practices that undermine a person’s sense ofdignity;and

(iii) opportunitiestoparticipateinthedevelopmentofcorrectionalpoliciesandprogrammes.

Appointment and functions of Commissioner-General

5. (1) The appointment of the Commissioner-General pursuanttoArticle 122 of theNamibianConstitution is on such terms and conditions as thePresidentmaydetermine.

(2) TheCommissioner-General, inaddition to suchotherpowers,dutiesandfunctionsasmaybeconferreduponorassignedtohimorherbyorunderthisAct,isresponsiblefortheefficientsupervision,administrationandcontroloftheCorrectionalService.

(3) SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct,theCommissioner-Generalmay,fortheefficientsupervision,administrationandcontroloftheCorrectionalServiceandforobservancebyoffendersandcorrectionalofficers,makeorissuesuchrules,standingordersoradministrativedirectivesasheorshemayconsidernecessaryorexpedient.

(4) Intheexerciseofhisorherpowersandtheperformanceofhisorherduties and functions under thisAct, the Commissioner-General is accountable andsubjecttothedirectionsoftheMinister.

Removal of Commissioner-General

6. (1) Subjecttosubsections(2)and(4),thePresidentmayexercisethe power conferred by Article 123 of the Namibian Constitution to remove theCommissioner-Generalfromoffice.

(2) Beforeactingintermsofsubsection(1),thePresidentmustconsulttheSecurityCommissionforitsrecommendationastowhetherornottheCommissioner-Generalshouldberemovedfromoffice.

(3) Uponthereceiptoftherequestreferredtoinsubsection(2)theSecurityCommissionmust,beforemakingarecommendationtothePresident,-

(a) notifytheCommissioner-Generalinwriting,ofthegroundsonwhichitisconsideredheorsheoughttoberemovedfromoffice;

(b) provide the Commissioner-General with an opportunity to makerepresentationeitherorallyorinwritingorboth;

(c) considertherepresentationsmadebytheCommissioner-General;and

(d) makesucharecommendationandsubmitthatrecommendationtogetherwithsuchwrittenrepresentations,ifany,tothePresident.

(4) The President may after considering the recommendations of theSecurity Commission and the written representations, if any, accept or reject therecommendationandmustinformtheCommissioner-Generalofhisorherdecision.



(5) TheCommissioner-Generalmay,athisorherownrequestandwiththeapprovalofthePresident,vacatehisorheroffice-

(a) ongroundsofillhealth;or

(b) foranyotherreasonthatthePresidentmayconsidersufficient,

subjecttosuchconditionsastoretirement,asprovidedforbyrelevantlawsorasthePresidentmaydetermine.

Commissions by President

7. (1) The President may confer a commission on any seniorcorrectionalofficer,andmayissuetosuchseniorcorrectionalofficeraprescribedDeedofCommissionbearinghisorhersignatureorareplicathereof.

(2) AseniorcorrectionalofficeronwhomacommissionhasbeenconferredbythePresidentholdssuchcommissionatthepleasureofthePresident.

Appointment, promotion, demotion, discharge or resignation of correctional officers

8. (1) SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisActandtherelevantprovisionsofthePublicServiceAct,1995,(ActNo.13of1995),theCommissioner-Generalmay–

(a) appointafitandproperpersontobeacorrectionalofficeraccordingtotheprescribedranksofcorrectionalofficers;

(b) promoteanycorrectionalofficer;

(c) subjecttosection57,demoteordischargeanycorrectionalofficer;or

(d) appointortransferanycorrectionalofficertoanypostintheCorrectionalServiceotherthanthepostheldbysuchcorrectionalofficer.

(2) Acorrectionalofficermaybynoticeinwritingtenderaresignationofhisorherappointment.

(3) Thenoticereferredtoinsubsection(2)mustbeinsuchformandtheresignation is approved and takes effect on such conditions as the Commissioner-Generalmaydetermine.

Correctional officers assigned to any part of Namibia

9. AcorrectionalofficermayatanytimebeassignedbytheCommissioner-GeneraltoanypartofNamibiatoperformanyfunctionconferreduponorassignedtocorrectionalofficersbyorunderthisAct.

Assistance by members of police in emergency

10. (1) In an emergency or for any other good reason, and for thepurposeofsecuringgoodorderanddisciplineinacorrectionalfacility,theInspector-General or any police officer duly authorised thereto by the Inspector-Generalmay,on the request of the Commissioner-General or any senior correctional officer duly



authorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General,temporarilymakeavailablefordutyinsuchcorrectionalfacilitysuchnumberofmembersofthepoliceasitmaybeconsiderednecessarytoassistinsecuringgoodorderanddisciplineinsuchcorrectionalfacility.

(2) A member of the police made available for duty in a correctionalfacilityundersubsection(1)must,whileassistinginthatcorrectionalfacility,exercisethepowersandperformthedutiesandfunctions,andbesubjecttotheresponsibilities,disciplineandpenaltiesof,acorrectionalofficer.

Temporary correctional officers

11. Wheneveritisnecessaryforthesafecustodyortransportationofanyoffenderorforanyotherpurpose-

(a) theCommissioner-General;or

(b) the officer in charge, with the prior approval of the Commissioner-General,

may appoint such number of suitable persons as he or shemay consider expedient,to serve as temporary correctional officers on such terms and conditions asmay beprescribed.

Establishment and constitution of Council and terms of office of members

12. (1) There is hereby established a council to be known as theCorrectionalServiceCounciltoperformthefunctionsanddutiesentrustedtoorimposeduponthatCouncilbyorunderthisAct.

(2) TheCouncilcomprises-

(a) theHead responsible for human resourcesmanagement,finance andadministrationintheCorrectionalService;and

(b) thefollowingpersonsappointedbytheMinister:

(i) Amemberof thePublicServiceCommission,nominatedbythatCommission,whoisthechairperson;

(ii) astaffmemberinthemanagementcadreofthePublicService;and

(iii) notlessthanthreeandnotmorethanfiveseniorcorrectionalofficers.

(3) AmemberoftheCouncilotherthantheHeadresponsibleforhumanresourcesmanagement,finance and administrationholdsoffice for a periodof threeyears,butuponexpirationofhisorherperiodofofficeiseligibleforre-appointmentassuchmember. (4) TheMinistermay,afterhavinggivensuchmemberanopportunitytobeheard,removefromofficeamemberoftheCouncilreferredtoinsubsection(2)(b)-



(a) onaccountofcontinuedill-health;

(b) onaccountofmisconduct;

(c) onaccountofunfitness for thedutiesof suchofficeor incapacity tocarrythemoutefficiently;or

(d) if,forreasonsotherthanareasonreferredtoinparagraph(c),hisorherremovalfromsuchofficewillpromotetheefficiencyoftheCouncil.

(5) The Minister may allow a member of the Council referred to insubsection(2)(b)to,atsuchmember’srequest,vacatehisorherofficeassuchmember-

(a) onaccountofcontinuedill-health;or

(b) foranyotherreasonwhichtheMinistermayconsidersufficient.

(6) AnyvacancyontheCouncilarisingfromanycircumstancereferredtoinsubsections(4)and(5),orcausedbythedeathofanymemberoftheCouncil,mustbefilledinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsubsection(2),andsuchnewlyappointedmemberholdsofficefortheunexpiredportionoftheperiodofofficeofthememberwhohasvacatedhisorherofficeorwhohasdied,asthecasemaybe.

Functions of Council

13. The functions of the Council are, in addition to such functions anddutiesasmaybeentrustedtoorimposeduponitbyorunderthisAct,to-

(a) consideror inquire into, andmake recommendations to theMinisterwithregardto,anymatterpertainingto-

(i) theadministrationofcorrectionalfacilities;

(ii) thewelfareandefficiencyoftheCorrectionalService;

(iii) the conditions of service of correctional officers other thanconditionsofservicedeterminedundersection13ofthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995);

(b) consider and make recommendations to the Commissioner-Generalwithregardtothepromotionofseniorcorrectionalofficers;and

(c) perform such other duties and functions as the Minister, withoutderogating from the functions of the Commissioner-General, maydirect.

Meetings of Council

14. (1) The Correctional Service Council must meet at least onceeverytwelvemonthsatsuchtimesandplacesasthechairpersonofthatCouncilmaydetermine.



(2) If the chairperson is absent from or for any other reason unable topresideatanymeetingoftheCouncil,thememberspresentmustelectonefromamongsttheirnumbertoactaschairpersonatthatmeeting.

(3) The chairperson or any other person who acts as chairperson mustdeterminetheprocedureofthemeetingoftheCounciloverwhichheorshepresides.

(4) Thequorumforameetingof theCouncil isasimplemajorityof itsmembers.

(5) AdecisionderivedatbythemajorityofthemembersoftheCouncilpresentatameetingthereofconstitutesadecisionoftheCounciland,intheeventofanequalityofvotesrelatingtoanymatter,thememberpresidingatthemeetinghasacastingvote.

(6) TheCouncilmustcausearecordtobekeptoftheproceedingsatitsmeetings.

PARTIIESTABLISHMENT,ADMINISTRATIONANDCONTROLOFCORRECTIONAL

FACILITIESANDCORRECTIONALCOMMUNITYCENTRES

Establishment of correctional facilities

15. (1) TheMinistermaybynoticeintheGazette-

(a) establishcorrectionalfacilitiesthroughoutNamibiaforthereception,detention,confinement,rehabilitation,trainingordisciplineofpersonssentencedtoimprisonmentordetentionincustody;

(b) declare any place, building, or enclosure or part thereof to be acorrectionalfacilityforthepurposesofthisAct;

(c) renameanysuchcorrectionalfacility;and

(d) declareanysuchcorrectionalfacilityorpartthereofclosed.

(2) A correctional facility established under this section includes alllandandanybuildings,groundsandappurtenances thereofwithinorattached to thecorrectionalfacilityandusedbytheoffendersorstaffthereofforthepurposesofthisAct.

(3) AprisonestablishedunderthePrisonsAct,1998(ActNo.17of1998),andinoperationatthecommencementofthisActcontinues,notwithstandingtherepealofthatAct,tobeoperationalasifitwasacorrectionalfacilityestablishedunderthisAct.

Temporary correctional facilities

16. The Commissioner-General may, with the approval of theMinister,wheneverheorsheisoftheopinionthat–



(a) thenumberofoffendersinanycorrectionalfacilityisgreaterthancanbeconvenientlyaccommodatedthereinandthatitisnotconvenienttotransferanyofsuchoffenderstoanothercorrectionalfacility;

(b) duetoanoutbreakofanepidemicwithinacorrectionalfacility;or

(c) foranyotherreason,itisnecessarytoprovideforthetemporaryshelterorsafecustodyofanyoffendertherein,

declarebynoticeintheGazetteanyplace,buildingorenclosure,oranypartthereof,tobeatemporarycorrectionalfacilityforthepurposesoftemporarilyaccommodatingoffenders,andmayinalikemannerclosesuchtemporarycorrectionalfacilityorpartthereof.

Male and female inmates to be confined separately

17. Maleandfemaleinmatesmustbekeptapartandconfinedinseparatecorrectionalfacilitiesorseparatepartsofthesamecorrectionalfacility,exceptforthepurposesoftrainingandthenonlyunderstrictsupervision.

Officer in charge

18. (1) The Commissioner-General must in respect of everycorrectionalfacilityappointaseniorcorrectionalofficeras theofficer incharge,andanothercorrectionalofficerasthedeputyofficerinchargeofsuchcorrectionalfacility.

(2) The officer in charge of a correctional facility must, subject to theprovisionsofthisAct-

(a) ensuretheimplementationoftheprovisionsofthisAct,CorrectionalService policies and other rules, standing orders and administrativedirectivesmadeorissuedundersection5(3);

(b) direct,superviseandcontrolalladministrativemattersrelatingtosuchcorrectionalfacility;

(c) inordertoensurecompliancewiththisActandthesafecustodyandtreatmentofoffendersandtomaintaingoodorderinthecorrectionalfacility,makeorissuedirectivesorinstructionstocorrectionalofficers,staffmembersemployedatthatcorrectionalfacilityandoffenders,andensurecompliancetherewith;

(d) keep such records in respect of such correctional facility asmaybe

determinedbytheCommissioner-GeneralorunderthisAct;and

(e) performsuchotherdutiesor functionsas theCommissioner-GeneralmayassigntohimorherunderthisAct.

(3) TheofficerinchargeisresponsibletotheCommissioner-GeneralintheperformanceofhisorherfunctionsunderthisAct,andfortheconductofthecorrectionalofficersandstaffmembersandtreatmentofoffendersunderhisorherchargeatsuchcorrectionalfacility.



(4) Thedeputyofficerinchargemust-

(a) exercise such powers or perform such duties or functions as theCommissioner-Generalmayassigntohimorher;or

(b) exerciseorperformsuchpowers,dutiesorfunctionsdelegatedtohimorherbytheofficerincharge,undersection130(3);and

(c) generallyassisttheofficerinchargeintheperformanceofhisorherfunctions under thisAct, subject to the direction and control of thatofficerincharge.

(5) TheCommissioner-Generalmay,untilsuchtimeasheorsheappointsan officer in charge for the correctional facility under subsection (1), designate acorrectional officer to act as the officer in charge of such correctional facility for aperiodnotexceeding12months.

(6) Acorrectionalofficerdesignatedasofficerinchargeundersubsection(5)must exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of an officer incharge, but such powers, duties and functions are subject to such limitations as theCommissioner-Generalmay generally or specifically determine and such designatedofficerissubjecttothedirectionandcontroloftheCommissioner-General.

Inspection of correctional facilities

19. (1) EachcorrectionalfacilitymustbeinspectedatsuchintervalsasmaybeprescribedorastheCommissioner-Generalmaydirect.

(2) Aninspectionreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustbeconductedbysuchcorrectionalofficersorsuchstaffmembersemployedwithintheCorrectionalServiceastheCommissioner-Generalmaydirect.

(3) Acorrectionalofficerorastaffmemberreferredto insubsection(2)must,inrespectofaninspectioncontemplatedinsubsection(1),performsuchfunctionsasmay be prescribed or as theCommissioner-Generalmay, by general directive orspecificinstruction,assigntosuchcorrectionalofficerorstaffmember.

Security levels

20. The Commissioner-General must determine the security levelsapplicable to correctional facilities, and may determine different security levels inrespectofdifferentcorrectionalfacilities.

Establishment of correctional community centres

21. (1) TheMinistermay,forthepurposeofeasingthetransitionoftheoffenderfromlifeinincarcerationtocommunitylife,bynoticeintheGazette–

(a) establishcorrectionalcommunitycentresthroughoutNamibiaforthereception,trainingorrehabilitationofoffendersreleasedwithconditiontoresideinacorrectionalcommunitycentre;



(b) declare any place, building or enclosure or part thereof to be acorrectionalcommunitycentreforthepurposesofthisAct;

(c) renamesuchcorrectionalcommunitycentre;and

(d) declareanysuchcorrectionalcommunitycentreorpartthereofclosed.

(2) Thecorrectionalcommunitycentresestablishedundersubsection(1)areadministeredandcontrolledandmustoperateonsuchtermsandconditionsastheMinistermaydetermine.

(3) Notwithstandingsubsection(1),theMinistermayenterintoacontractwithanyinstitution,personorbodyofpersonsfortheestablishment,administrationandcontrolofcorrectionalcommunitycentresuponsuchtermsandconditionsasmaybeagreeduponbetweentheparties.

(4) The correctional community centre established under this sectionincludes all land and any buildings, grounds and appurtenances thereof within orattachedtothecorrectionalcommunitycentreandusedbytheoffendersorstaffthereofforthepurposesofthisAct.

Temporary correctional community centres

22. The Commissioner-General may, with the approval of theMinister,wheneverheorsheisoftheopinionthat–

(a) the number of offenders in any correctional community centre isgreaterthancanbeconvenientlyaccommodatedthereinandthatitisnotconvenienttotransferanyofsuchoffenderstoanothercorrectionalcommunitycentre;

(b) due to an outbreak of an epidemicwithin a correctional communitycentre;or

(c) foranyotherreason,itisnecessarytoprovideforthetemporaryshelterorsafecustodyofanyoffenderstherein,

declarebynoticeintheGazetteanyplace,buildingorenclosure,oranypartthereof,to be a temporary correctional community centre for the purposes of temporarilyaccommodatingoffenders,andmayinlikemannerclosesuchtemporarycorrectionalcommunitycentreorpartthereof.

PARTIIIHEALTHCARESERVICESFOROFFENDERSANDHYGIENE

Guiding principles and appointment of medical officer

23. (1) The Correctional Service must, as far as is practicable andwhensorequired,provideeveryinmatewith–

(a) essentialhealthcareservices;



(b) reasonableaccesstonon-essentialmentalhealthcarewithanemphasison the inmate’s rehabilitation and successful reintegration into thecommunity;and

(c) accesstopreventativehealthmeasures.

(2) TheCorrectionalServicemusttakeintoconsiderationaninmate’sstateofhealthandhealthcareneeds-

(a) in all decisions affecting the inmate, including decisions relatingto placement, confinement, observation, supervision, transfer andsegregation;and

(b) inthepreparationoftheinmateforrelease.

(3) Eachcorrectionalfacilitymusthaveamedicalpractitionerappointedorassignedtoit,toserveasmedicalofficerforsuchfacility.

Functions of medical officer

24. (1) Themedicalofficerappointedorassignedundersection23(3)–

(a) is responsible for the health care of all inmates in the correctionalfacilityforwhichheorsheisappointedorassignedandmust-

(i) where practicable, ensure that every inmate is medicallyexaminedonadmissionto,anddischargefrom,thatcorrectionalfacility;

(ii) wherepracticable,ensurethatonadmissiontothecorrectionalfacility, every inmate is kept apart from other inmates untilsuchtimethatsuchinmatehasbeenexaminedascontemplatedinsubparagraph(i);

(iii) where practicable, visit the correctional facility daily or atotherregularintervalsorwhensorequestedbytheofficerincharge,and inspect thehygieneconditionof thecorrectionalfacilityandmedicallyexamineinmatesatsuchtimesasheorshemayconsidernecessary;

(iv) keeparecordorcausearecordtobekeptofthestateofhealthofeveryinmate;and

(v) report to theofficer inchargeanycircumstanceorconditionregardingthecorrectionalfacility,aninmate,ortreatmentofaninmatewhichmay,inhisorheropinion,requireconsiderationonmedicalorhealthgrounds;and

(b) must, for the purpose of safeguardingor restoring the health of anyinmateor preventing the spreadof or riskof anydisease, take suchactionordirectsuchactiontobetakenwithregardtosuchinmateinhisorhercare,including-



(i) forcefeedinganinmate;

(ii) inoculatingorvaccinatinganinmateagainstdisease;

(iii) medicallyexaminingandtreatinganinmate;

(iv) isolatinganinmate;

(v) providing an inmate with other necessary precautionary orprophylactichealthmeasurestocurbsuchspreadorrisk;or

(vi) forsecurityreasons,searchinganybodycavityofaninmate.

(2) The powers referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) may beexercisedbythemedicalofficerwithouttheconsentoftheinmateconcerned.

(3) Aninmatemustpresenthimselforherself,ifinstructedtodosobytheofficerinchargeorothercorrectionalofficerauthorisedthereto,tothemedicalofficeroranyothermedicalpractitionerforthepurposesofundergoingamedicalexaminationormedicaltreatment.

Observation of inmates in solitary confinement or correctional hospital

25. Themedicalofficermust,oneachdaythatsuchmedicalofficervisitsthecorrectional facilityorcorrectional facilityhospital,medicallyexamineorcheckeachinmatewhoisdetainedinsolitaryconfinementorinacorrectionalfacilityhospital,butnotlessthanonceperweekofsuchinmate’sdetainment.

Duty upon death of offender

26. (1) Upon the death of an offender, the officer in charge mustimmediatelynotify-

(a) theCommissioner-General;

(b) themedicalofficerconcerned;

(c) themagistrateofthedistrictinwhichthecorrectionalfacilityissituated;and

(d) thenextofkin,ifany,ofthedeceased,

andmustensurethataninquestisconductedinaccordancewiththeInquestsAct,1993(ActNo.6of1993).

(2) The medical officer must, upon being notified of the death of anoffender,issueacertificatewhereuponthecauseofdeathinrespectofthatoffenderissetout,andmustcompletetheregisterkeptforthepurposeofrecordinganoffender’sdeath.



Observation and transfer of mentally ill inmates

27. (1) Amedicalofficermustregularlyexaminethestateofmentalhealthofanyinmatewhoisdetainedinacorrectionalfacility-

(a) pursuanttoacourtorderfortheobservationofsuchinmate,andmustreportonthementalhealthofsuchinmate;or

(b) pendinganapplicationorastheresultofanapplication,forthetransferof such inmate to amental institution under theMentalHealthAct,1973(ActNo.18of1973).

(2) Aninmatewho,whileservingasentenceofimprisonment,isremovedtoaninstitutionasdefinedinsection1oftheMentalHealthAct,1973(ActNo.18of1973),must,assoonasheorsheisfitfordischargefromthatinstitution,bereturnedtothecorrectionalfacilityconcernedbytheauthoritiesofsuchinstitutionforcompletionofhisorhersentence,ifthesentenceinrespectofwhichheorshewascommittedtothecorrectionalfacilityhasnotbeencompleted.

(3) Whereaninmate,whohasbeenadmittedtoaninstitutionreferredtoinsubsection(2),isstilladmittedinsuchinstitutionfortreatmentatsuchtimeasheorshebecomesentitledtohisorherreleasefromimprisonment,theofficerinchargereferredtoinsection119(1)mustreleasesuchoffenderfromthecorrectionalfacilityintheprescribedmanner,andinwritinginformsuchinstitutionofsuchrelease.

(4) The period duringwhich an offenderwas detained in an institutionreferredtoinsubsection(2)whileservingatermofimprisonmentisconsideredtobepartofsuchtermofimprisonment.

Transfer of inmate to State hospital

28. (1) WhereaninmateissoseriouslyillastowarrantadmissiontoaStatehospitalfortreatment,theofficerinchargeoracorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretoby theofficer inchargemust,on the recommendationof themedicalofficer,authorisethetransferofthatinmatetotheStatehospital,butinthecaseofanemergencyor in the absence of the medical officer, the inmate concerned must be transferredwithoutsuchpriorrecommendation.

(2) On admission of an inmate referred to in subsection (1) to a Statehospital,themedicalsuperintendentinchargeofthathospitalmustissueacertificatetotheofficerinchargeofthecorrectionalfacilityfromwhichtheinmatewastransferred,statinghisorheropinion-

(a) whetherornottheinmateshouldbeadmittedtotheStatehospitalforthepurposesoftreatment;and

(b) wherepracticable,theperiodforwhichsuchinmateshouldremaininthathospitalfortreatment.

(3) If,aftertreatmentoftheinmate,themedicalsuperintendentinchargeoftheStatehospital,towhichsuchinmatewasadmittedundersubsection(1),isoftheopinion that such inmate isfit fordischarge fromsuchhospital, suchsuperintendentmustnotifytheconcernedofficerinchargeandmust,ifsuchinmatehasnotcompleted



hisorhersentenceinrespectofwhichsuchinmatewascommittedtothecorrectionalfacilityconcerned,dischargesuchinmateandhandhimorheroverintothecustodyofsuchofficerinchargeforthecompletionofhisorhersentence

(4) Where an inmate, who has been admitted to a State hospital undersubsection (1), is still admitted in hospital formedical treatment at such time as heorshebecomesentitledtohisorherreleasefromthecorrectionalfacilityconcerned,theofficer inchargereferred to insection119(1)must releasesuch inmatefromthecorrectionalfacility in theprescribedmanner,andinwriting informsuchhospitalofsuchrelease.

(5) TheperiodduringwhichaninmateisdetainedinaStatehospitalfortreatmentunderthissectionwhileservingatermofimprisonment,isconsideredtobepartofsuchtermofimprisonment.

Custody of inmate in State hospital or mental institution

29. (1) Aninmatewho,duringhisorherperiodofimprisonment,isdetainedinaStatehospitalintermsofsection28oramentalinstitutionreferredtoinsection27forthepurposesoftreatmentis,duringsuchperiodofdetainment,consideredtobeinlawfulcustody.

(2) TheofficerinchargemusttakesuchmeasuresasheorshemayconsidernecessaryinthecircumstancestosecurethecustodyofaninmatewhileheorsheisundergoingtreatmentinaStatehospitalormentalinstitution.

(3) Whereaninmatehasbeencommittedintothecustodyofacorrectionalofficer under subsection (2), such correctional officer must take every reasonableprecautiontopreventtheinmateconcernedfromescaping.

Hygiene

30. Everyinmatedetainedinacorrectionalfacility–

(a) pursuanttoasentenceofimprisonment;

(b) pendingthedeterminationofcriminalproceedings;

(c) pendingadeterminationofappealproceedings;or

(d) pendingarrangementforhisorherremovalfromNamibiatoanothercountry,

isrequiredtokeephisorhercell,thesurroundingsthereofandthefurniture,clothingandutensilsthereinclean,andperformsuchothertasksinthecorrectionalfacilityastheofficerinchargemaydetermine.



PARTIVPOWERS,DUTIES,FUNCTIONSANDPRIVILEGES

OFCORRECTIONALOFFICERS

General responsibilities and functions of correctional officers

31. Everycorrectionalofficermust–

(a) be familiarwith the provisions of thisAct and other rules, standingordersoradministrativedirectivesmadeorissuedbytheCommissioner-General under section 5(3) or the directives or instructionsmade orissuedbytheofficerinchargeundersection18(2)(c);

(b) exerciseorperformsuchpowersanddutiesorfunctions,byvirtueofhisorherrank,asareconferreduponorassignedtosuchcorrectionalofficerbyorunderthisAct,orbyacorrectionalofficerdulyauthorisedtoassignsuchdutiesorfunctions;and

(c) obeyalllawfulordersanddirectivesinrespectoftheexecutionofhisorherdutiesorfunctionsasheorshemayfromtimetotimereceivefromcorrectionalofficersseniorinranktohimorher.

Correctional officers responsible for security and discipline of offenders

32. Subjecttosection66,correctionalofficersemployedinacorrectionalfacilityareresponsibleforensuring-

(a) asfarasispracticable,thesecurityandsafecustodyofalloffendersdetainedincustodyinthatcorrectionalfacility;and

(b) thatthetreatmentanddisciplineofoffendersthereinisinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisAct,

andmust in theperformanceof their functionsunder thisActbeunder thedirectionandcontroloftheofficerinchargeandactinaccordancewiththisActandtherules,standing orders and administrative directivesmade or issued by theCommissioner-Generalintermsofsection5(3)andthedirectiveorinstructionsmadeorissuedbytheofficerinchargeintermofsection18(2)(c).

Correctional officers to exercise police powers

33. SubjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct,everycorrectionalofficermust,byvirtueofhisorherofficeasacorrectionalofficer,exercisethesamepowers,authority,protectionandprivilegesasamemberofthepolice,andmayusealllawfulmeansinhisorherpowertodetaininsafecustodytheoffendersunderhisorherchargeandtosecuretherecaptureofanyoffenderwhohasescapedfromlawfulcustody.

Restriction on sanctions against offenders

34. Nocorrectionalofficermayimposeasanctionuponanoffender,exceptinaccordancewiththedisciplinaryprocedureprovidedforunderPartXofthisAct.



Use of force or weapons by correctional officers

35. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), a correctionalofficermay use such force against an offender as is reasonably necessary to ensurecompliancewithlawfulordersortomaintaindisciplineinthecorrectionalfacility.

(2) Subject to the provisions of subsections (3) and (4), a correctionalofficermayuseaweaponagainst-

(a) anyoffenderwhois-

(i) escapingorattemptingtoescapefromlawfulcustody;

(ii) engaged in forcing or breaking open or attempting to forceorbreakopenor is scalingacorrectional facilitydoor,wall,fence,gate,orotherpartofthecorrectionalfacility;

(iii) using or threatening to use violence against a correctionalofficeroranotheroffenderoranyotherperson;or

(iv) engagedinviolentlydisorderlybehaviour;or

(b) anypersonwho-

(i) assists an offender in escaping or uses or threatens to useviolenceagainst a correctionalofficer,or anoffenderor anyotherperson;or

(ii) isengagedinforcingorbreakingopenorattemptingtoforceorbreakopenor is scalingacorrectional facilitydoor,wall,fence,gate,orotherpartofthecorrectionalfacility.

(3) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsection(2),acorrectionalofficermustnotuseaweaponagainstanyoffenderorpersonunless-

(a) heorshehasreasonablegroundstobelievethattheescape,attemptedescape, forcing or breaking open, or scaling cannot otherwise beprevented,and-

(i) heorshehasgivenclearpriorwarningthatheorsheisabouttousetheweapon;and

(ii) suchwarningisunheeded;or

(b) inthecaseofviolenceorthreatenedviolence,heorshehasreasonablegrounds tobelieve that thepersonbeingattackedor threatened is indangerofsufferinggrievousbodilyharm.

(4) Wheneveraweaponorforceisusedinpursuanceofthissection,thecorrectional officer must use the minimum force necessary in the circumstances torestraintheactintended,andmust,asfarasreasonablypossible,usesuchweaponorforcetodisableandnottokill.



(5) If any correctional officer acting in circumstances contemplated insubsection (1), (2)or (3)killsorwoundsanyoffenderorpersonheor shedoesnotcommitanoffence.

Power to take photographs, fingerprints, etc.

36. (1) Subject to subsection (2), an officer in charge may for thepurposesofassistingintheconductofinvestigationscausephotographs,measurements,foot-printsandcaststhereof,palmprintsandfingerprintsofanyoffendertobetakenbyanycorrectionalofficerorotherpersondulyauthorisedbyhimorher,andwhereanyoffenderrefusestohavehisorherphotograph,measurement,footprintorcastthereof,palmprintorfingerprinttaken,theofficerinchargemayuseorcausetobeusedsuchforceasisreasonablynecessarytosecurecompliance.

(2) The photographs,measurements, footprints and casts thereof, palmprints and fingerprints taken under subsection (1) must be destroyed if the personconcernedisfoundnotguiltyathisorhertrial,orifhisorherconvictionissetasidebyasuperiorcourt,orifheorsheisdischargedatapreparatoryexamination,orifnocriminalproceedingswithreferencetowhichsuchprintsorphotographsweretakenorsuchrecordwasmadeareinstitutedagainstthepersonconcernedinanycourtoriftheprosecutiondeclinestoprosecutesuchperson.

Privileges of correctional officers

37. The Minister may, in consultation with the Commissioner-General,prescribesuchprivilegesforcorrectionalofficersasheorshemayconsiderappropriateforthepurposeofefficientlyexecutingtheirdutiesorfunctionsunderthisAct.

PARTVSEARCHANDSEIZURE

Searching of offenders

38. (1) Acorrectionalofficermay,atany timeandin theprescribedmannerandcircumstances,conductasearchofanoffenderwhoiswithinacorrectionalfacilityorgoing intooroutof a correctional facility and if anyprohibitedarticle isfoundinsuchoffender’spossession,removesucharticle.

(2) Every offender must, on admission to a correctional facility to bedetainedtherein,besearchedandallprohibitedarticlesinsuchoffender’spossessionmustberemoved.

Searching of cells

39. Acorrectionalofficermay,atanytimeandintheprescribedmanner,conductsearchesofcellsandtheircontentsandallprohibitedarticlesmustberemovedfromtherein.

Searching of correctional officers, buildings and residential houses

40. (1) A correctional officer on duty may, at any time and in theprescribedmannerandcircumstancesand for securitypurposes,conducta searchof



anothercorrectionalofficerwhoiswithinacorrectionalfacilityorgoingintooroutofacorrectionalfacility.

(2) Subjecttosubsection(3)andforthepurposeofascertainingwhetherornot anyprovisionof thisActhasbeen contravened,or anoffenceunder thisActhasbeencommitted, theofficer inchargemayorder thatanybuildingor residentialhouseonthecorrectionalfacilitypremises,oratanyotherbuildingorresidentialhouseattachedorbelongingtothatcorrectionalfacility,besearched.

(3) Searchingofaresidentialhouseoccupiedbyacorrectionalofficermustbedonebyacorrectionalofficerseniorinranktothecorrectionalofficeroccupyingtheresidentialhousetobesearched.

Searching of visitors

41. (1) A correctional officer on duty may at any time and in theprescribedmannerandcircumstancesandforsecuritypurposes,conductasearchofanyvisitorwhoiswithinacorrectionalfacilityorgoingintooroutofacorrectionalfacility.

(2) Where a visitor to a correctional facility refuses to be searched ascontemplatedinsubsection(1),thecorrectionalofficerondutymustrefusesuchvisitorentryandmustordersuchvisitortoleavesuchpremises,andifsuchvisitorrefusestoleavesuchpremises,suchcorrectionalofficermustforcefullyremovesuchvisitororordertheremovalofsuchvisitor.

Searching of vehicles

42. Where a correctional officer has reasonable grounds to suspect thata vehicle, entering a correctional facility or leaving a correctional facility orwhichisbeingdrivenorparkedclose tosuchcorrectional facility, isunlawfullycarryingaprohibitedarticleoranypropertybelongingto,orunderthecontrolof,theCorrectionalServiceorisabouttobeinvolvedinthecommissionofanoffenceunderthisAct,thatcorrectionalofficermay,atanytimeandintheprescribedmanner,searchsuchvehicle.

Justification of search

43. To theextent that theprovisionsofsections38,40and41authorisetheinterferencewiththeprivacyofapersoninconflictwithArticle13oftheNamibianConstitution,suchinterferenceisauthorisedintermsofthatArticleonlyonthegroundsof, and to the extent necessary for, the prevention of disorder or crime or for theprotectionoftherightsandfreedomsofothersorwhereadelayinobtainingajudicialauthoritycarrieswithitthedangerofprejudicingtheobjectsofthesearchorthepublicinterest.

Arrest

44. (1) Subject to section 79, where, upon a search made undersections40,41or42,apersonisfoundtobeintheunlawfulpossessionofaprohibitedarticleoranypropertybelongingto,orunderthecontrolof,theCorrectionalService,thecorrectionalofficerhavingmadesuchsearchmustreporttheincidenttotheofficerinchargeoranyotherseniorcorrectionalofficer.



(2) The officer in charge or senior correctional officer, referred to insubsection(1),may,uponthereceiptofthereportreferredtointhatsubsection,orderthearrestofthatpersonandassoonaspracticablehandhimorherovertothenearestpolicestation.

Seizure

45. (1) The correctional officer arresting a person under section 44mayseizetheprohibitedarticleorpropertyinquestionfoundinthatperson’spossessionor impound the vehicle used in the commission of the offence in question, and theprovisionsofsection30,31and32oftheCriminalProcedureAct,1977(ActNo.51of1977)applieswiththenecessarychangesinrespectofanythingsoseized.

(2) Subjecttosubsection(1),prohibitedarticlesorpropertyseizedundersubsection(1)orremovedfromoffendersorcellsundersection38and39respectively,mustbedisposedofastheCommissioner-Generalmayprescribe.

Manner of search

46. AnysearchofapersonunderthisPartmustbeconductedinaccordancewiththisActandanyrules,standingordersoradministrativedirectivesmadeorissuedbytheCommissioner-Generalundersection5(3).

PARTVIOFFENCESAGAINSTTHECORRECTIONALSERVICE

Mutiny

47. (1) Acorrectionalofficerwho,incircumstancesnotamountingtoanoffenceunderanyotherprovisionofthisAct-

(a) conspireswithanothercorrectionalofficertomutiny;

(b) causesamutiny;

(c) joinsamutiny;

(d) isawareof,orsuspects,anothercorrectionalofficerofconspiring tocauseamutiny, andsuchfirstmentionedcorrectionalofficer fails toreportsuchfactwithoutdelaytotheofficerinchargeorCommissioner-General,

is guilty of an offence, and on conviction liable to a fine not exceedingN$ 20 000or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or to both such fine andsuchimprisonment,andsuchcorrectionalofficermay,inadditiontosuchfineorsuchimprisonmentor tobothsuchfineandsuch imprisonment,besubject todisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(c)(iv)or(d)(xiv)inrespectofsuchmutiny.

(2) Forthepurposesofsubsection(1),“mutiny”meansconduct,speech,oranyotheractdirectedagainsttheauthorityoftheCorrectionalServiceingeneralorcorrectional facility inparticularwith the intention tobreachpublicorderand inciterebellionagainstsuchauthority.



Assault by correctional officer on another correctional officer

48. Acorrectionalofficerwhoassaultsorthreatenswithviolenceanothercorrectionalofficerduringthecourseofdutyisguiltyofanoffence,andonconvictionliabletoafinenotexceedingN$2000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingsixmonths,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,andsuchcorrectionalofficermay,inadditiontosuchfineorsuchimprisonmentortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,besubjecttodisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(b)(iii)or(iv)inrespectofsuchassaultorthreat.

Miscellaneous other offences by correctional officers or persons employed in or about Correctional Service

49. (1) AcorrectionalofficeroranyotherpersonemployedinorabouttheCorrectionalServicewho,outsidetheambitofhisorherfunctionsunderthisActor such employment, as the casemaybe, andwithout theprior authorisationof theCommissioner-Generalortheofficerincharge-

(a) sellsorhasadirectorindirectinterestinanysaleofanyarticletoanoffender;

(b) hasanydirectorindirectinterestoradvantageintheprocurementofCorrectionalServicesupplies;

(c) conducts any business dealing, other than a business dealingcontemplatedinparagraph(a),withanoffenderorwithanotherpersonactingonbehalfofanoffender;

(d) solicits, accepts or receives any fee, gift, gratuity, or reward or anymoneyoranyotherarticle,itemorthingfromanoffenderoranotherpersonactingonbehalfofanoffender;

(e) withintenttocommitoraidthecommissionofanoffenceunderthisActoranyotherlaw,directlyorindirectlycommunicates,correspondsorhasanydealingswithanoffender,orconveysanycommunicationorarticletoorfromanoffender;

(f) permits any intoxicating liquor, tobacco, habit-forming drug, opiate,money,clothing,letter,documentoranyotherprovisionorarticletobegivenorsoldtooronbehalfofanoffender;

(g) lendsorgivestoanyoffenderanyintoxicatingliquor,tobacco,habit-forming drug, opiate, money, clothing, letter, document or otherprovisionorarticle;or

(h) conveysorpermitsanyletter,document,orotherarticletobeconveyedoutofacorrectionalfacility;

(i) informs thepressor, unless for thepurposeof the administrationofjustice,informsanyotherpersonofanyconfidentialmatterconcerningacorrectionalfacilityoranoffenderoranyconfidentialmatterderivedfrom official sources connected with or related to the CorrectionalService,



isguiltyofanoffence,andonconvictionliabletoafinenotexceedingN$4000orto imprisonment for aperiodnot exceedingoneyear, or toboth suchfine and suchimprisonment, and such correctional officer may, in addition to such fine or suchimprisonmentor tobothsuchfineandsuch imprisonment,besubject todisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(d)(vii),(e)(iii)or(iv).

PARTVIIDISCIPLINEOFCORRECTIONALOFFICERS

Disciplinary offences by correctional officers

50. Acorrectionalofficercommitsadisciplinaryoffenceandisguiltyof-

(a) disobediencetolawfulorders,ifheorshe,withoutreasonablecause,disobeys,refuses,neglectsoromitstocarryoutalawfulorderfromtheMinister, the Commissioner-General, a correctional officer senior inranktosuchofficeroranyotherpersonauthorisedbytheCommissioner-Generaltogivesuchanorder;

(b) oppressiveconduct,ifheorshe-

(i) isoppressiveor tyrannical inconduct towardsacorrectionalofficer subordinate in rank tohimorheror is oppressiveortyrannicalinconducttowardsanoffender;

(ii) usesobscene,abusive,orinsultinglanguagetowardsanyothercorrectionalofficerortowardsanoffender;

(iii) assaultsanyothercorrectionalofficerorassaultsanoffender;

(iv) threatens or uses unwarranted violence towards anothercorrectionalofficer,offenderor towardsanyperson inhisorhercustody;or

(v) wilfullyornegligentlymakesanyfalse,frivolous,orvexatiouscomplaintagainstanyothercorrectionalofficeroragainstanoffender;

(c) insubordinateconduct,ifheorshe-

(i) isdisrespectfulinwords,conduct,ordemeanourtotheMinister,Commissioner-General, Permanent Secretary, a correctionalofficerseniorinranktohimorher,oranyotherpersonreferredtoinparagraph(a);

(ii) talksorotherwisemisbehaveswhileonparade;

(iii) resistshisorherlawfularrest,custody,orescort;

(iv) mobilizes other correctional officers or offenders againstthe authority of the Correctional Service in general or thecorrectionalfacilityinparticular;



(d) neglectofduty,ifheorshe-

(i) neglects, or omits without reasonable cause, to promptly ordiligentlyattendtoorcarryoutanythingwhichitishisorherdutyorresponsibilitytocarryout,orinstructedtoattendtoorcarryout;

(ii) idlesorgossipsorsitsorliesdownwithoutreasonablecausewhileonduty;

(iii) sleepswhileonduty;

(iv) leaves his or her post or official duties without reasonablecauseorwithouttheexplicitpermissionoftheCommissioner-General, theofficer incharge,oranothercorrectionalofficerauthorisedbytheCommissioner-Generalorofficer inchargetograntsuchpermission;

(v) byneglectordefault, allowsorcontributes to, theescapeofanyoffenderorassistsanoffendertoescape;

(vi) failstomakeorsendareportorreturnwhichishisorherdutytomakeorsendorisinstructedtomakeorsend;

(vii) assists or conniveswith any offender to obtain or keep anyprohibitedarticle;

(viii) neglectsorrefusestoarrestanyoffenderorcorrectionalofficerwhomheorsheisorderedtoarrest;

(ix) withoutreasonablecauseomitstomakeanynecessaryentryinanyofficialdocumentorbook;

(x) feignsorexaggeratesanysicknessorinjuryinordertoevadeduty;

(xi) while absent from duty on account of sickness, neglects or,withoutreasonablecause,omitstocarryoutanyinstructionofamedicalofficerorpractitionerorofamemberofthehospitalstaff,oractsorconductshimselforherselfinamannerintendedtoretardhisorherreturntoduty,orneglectsoromitstoinformtherelevantCorrectionalServiceauthorityofsuchsickness;

(xii) neglects or refuses to observe any rule, standing order oradministrative directive made or issued under section 5(3),or directive or instruction made or issued by the officer incharge under section 18(2)(c), or directive or instructionmade or issued by any other correctional officer authorisedbytheCommissioner-Generaltomakeorissueadirectiveorinstruction;

(xiii) neglectsoromits topromptly informthemanagementof thecorrectionalfacilityorCorrectionalServiceofanyinformation



thatislikelytojeopardizethesecurity,disciplineorgoodorderofthecorrectionalfacility;

(xiv) isawareoforsuspectsanothercorrectionalofficerofconduct,speechoranyotheractthatisdirectedagainsttheauthorityoftheCorrectionalServiceingeneraloracorrectionalfacilityinparticular,andheorshefailstopromptlyreportsuchfacttotheofficerinchargeorCommissioner-General;or

(xv) contravenesorfailstocomplywithanyprovisionofthisAct;

(e) discreditableconduct,ifheorshe–

(i) isconvictedofacriminaloffence;

(ii) hasanintimateaffaireorsexualrelationswithanoffender; (iii) outsidetheambitofhisorherfunctionsunderthisAct,accepts

orreceivesanyfee,gift,oranymoneyoranyotherarticle,itemorthingfromanoffenderoranotherpersonactingonbehalfofanoffender;or

(iv) without thewrittenpermissionof theCommissioner-Generalorofficerincharge,directlyorindirectlyrequestsordemandsoracceptsoragreestoacceptinconnectionwiththeexecutionof his or her duties, any commission, gift, fee, reward orany consideration whatsoever, or fails or neglects to reportimmediatelytotheCommissioner-Generalorhisorherofficerinchargethatanysuchofferhasbeenmadetohimorher;

(v) directly or indirectly borrows money from or through acorrectionalofficerjuniorinranktohimorher;or

(vi) acts in a disorderlymanner or in anymanner prejudicial tothe discipline of a correctional facility or the CorrectionalServiceorwhichislikelytobringdiscreditonthegoodorderandreputationof thecorrectionalfacilityor theCorrectionalService;

(f) absence from duty, if he or she without leave, reasonable cause orpermissionabsentshimselforherselffromduty;

(g) being late forduty, ifheor shewithout reasonablecauseorwithoutpermissionislateforanyparade,meetingorotherduty;

(h) falsehoodifheorshe-

(i) wilfully or negligently makes any false, misleading, orinaccuratestatementorentryregardinghisorherofficialdutiesorintheperformanceofhisorherofficialduties;

(ii) while under oath, wilfully or negligently makes any false,misleading,orinaccuratestatementorrepresentation;or



(iii) without good cause, destroys, mutilates or renders illegibleanyofficialdocumentorrecord,oraltersorerasesanyentrytherein;

(i) deception,ifheorshe-

(i) prevaricates,or

(ii) wilfullysuppressesanymaterialfacts,or

(iii) when required to testify, refuses or fails without reasonablecausetotestify,

atanyproceedingswhereadisciplinaryinquiryundersection51,54or88ortrialundersection88oraninquiryundersection57isbeingconducted;

(j) breachofconfidence,ifheorshe,-

(i) unless authorised to do so inwriting by theCommissioner-General,orunlessrequired–

(aa) byanylaw;

(bb) topresentevidenceinanycourtoflaw;or

(cc) forthepurposeoftheadministrationofjustice,

divulges or makes known, to any person not authorised thereto, ortoanypersonnotbeingacorrectionalofficerorintheemployoftheCorrectionalService,anyinformation,document,bookorrecordwhichisconfidentialandwhichconcernstheCorrectionalService;or

(ii) failsorneglects to report the fact thatheor she is suffering

fromacontagiousdisease;or (k) disorderliness,ifheorsheis–

(i) whileonduty,or

(ii) whileoffdutyinuniforminapublicplace,

withoutreasonablecause,improperlydressedorisdirtyoruntidyinhisorheruniform,clothingoraccoutrements;

(l) damage to property, if he or she wilfully or negligently causes anywaste,lossordamagetoanyuniform,clothing,accoutrements,book,documentoranyotherpropertybelonging toorunder thecontroloftheCorrectionalServiceorfailsorneglectstoreporttotheofficerinchargeorheadofworkplacesuchwaste,lossordamage;

(m) drunkennessoruseofhabit-formingdrugshavinganarcoticeffect,ifheorshe–



(i) isunfitfordutythroughtheconsumptionofintoxicatingliquororsuchdrugs;

(ii) whileonduty–

(aa) without a prescription from a medical practitioner,is under the influence of or partakes of such habit-formingdrugs;or

(bb) isundertheinfluenceoforpartakesofanyintoxicatingliquor;or

(iii) habitually uses to excess intoxicating liquor or such habit-formingdrugs;

(n) unlawfully entering licensed premises, if, when on duty, he or sheenters–

(i) any public bar licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor,exceptwhenhisorherpresence is required insuch licensedpremisesintheexecutionofduty;or

(ii) anyshoptobuyintoxicatingliquor;

(o) engaging in employmentother thanhis or her correctionalduties, ifheorsheengagesinsuchemploymentwithoutthepriorauthorisationreferredtoinsection17(2)(a)ofthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995);

(p) usingaweaponwithoutauthorisationorjustcause,ifheorsheusesaweaponwithoutauthorisationorjustcauseorwilfullyornegligentlypointsafirearmatanypersonornegligentlyorrecklesslydischargesafirearm;

(q) unlawfulremovalofanoffender,ifheorshewithoutauthorityoftheofficer in charge, or any other correctional officer duly authorisedthereto-

(i) removes an offender fromone part of a correctional facilityto another part of such correctional facility, or from thecorrectionalfacilityprecinct;

(ii) transportsanoffenderusingaprivatevehicle;

(iii) usesanyoffendertoperformlabourinhisorherownserviceandforhisorherownbenefitorthatofanothercorrectionalofficer;

(r) theft,ifheorshe,outsidetheambitofhisorherduty,takesorremovesmoneyorotherpropertybelongingtoanoffenderortheCorrectionalService;or



(s) connivingat,orbeinganaccessoryto,anydisciplinaryoffencereferredto inparagraphs(a) to(r), ifheorsheconnivesatorassistsanothercorrectionalofficertocommitsuchdisciplinaryoffence.

Disciplinary inquiries into conduct of senior correctional officers

51. (1) Forthepurposesofdisciplinarycontroloverseniorcorrectionalofficers, the Commissioner-General may appoint as needed an ad hoc disciplinaryboardtoinquireintotheconductofanyseniorcorrectionalofficertoascertainwhethersuchofficerhascommittedadisciplinaryoffence,andtoreportitsfindingsandmakerecommendationstotheCommissioner-Generalastothedisciplinarymeasures,ifany,tobetakenagainstsuchseniorcorrectionalofficer.

(2) Adisciplinaryboardmayconsistofoneormorepersons,andwhereaseniorcorrectionalofficerisappointedasmemberofsuchboard,heorshemustbeofaranknotlowerthanthatoftheseniorcorrectionalofficerintowhoseconducttheboardistoinquire.

(3) Wherethedisciplinaryboardconsistsof–

(a) morethanoneperson–

(i) theCommissioner-Generalmustdesignateoneofthemembersoftheboardaschairpersonofthatboard;and

(ii) thechairpersonandonememberof thatboardconstitute thequorumoftheboard;or

(b) one person, such person must be designated as chairperson of thatboard.

(4) Thedisciplinaryboardmustholditsinquiryonsuchdateandatsuchtimeandplaceasthechairpersonofthatboardmaydetermine. (5) Prior to commencing a disciplinary inquiry under this section, thedisciplinaryboardmustensure that the seniorcorrectionalofficer, inwhoseconducttheboardistoinquire,isgivenatleast14dayswrittennoticeofsuchinquiry,andthatnoticemustsetoutthenatureandparticularsofthechargeagainstsuchofficerandstatethatsuchofficerissummonedtoappearbeforethatboardatthedate,timeandplacespecifiedthereintoanswertothecharge.

(6) A senior correctional officer receiving a notice under subsection (5)may,prior to thedateof thedisciplinary inquiry as set out in suchnotice, submit awritten reply to thedisciplinaryboard, admitting thecommissionof thedisciplinaryoffenceinquestion,andthereaftersuchboardmust,subjecttosubsection(13),reportsuch fact to theCommissioner-General, andmay recommend to theCommissioner-Generalthatanyoneormoreofthedisciplinarymeasuresreferredtoinsubsection(13)beimposeduponthatseniorcorrectionalofficer.

(7) The disciplinary board may conduct a disciplinary inquirynotwithstandingthefactthattheallegeddisciplinaryoffenceformsoris,intheopinionoftheboard,likelytoformthesubjectofcriminalproceedingsinacourtoflaw.



(8) Thedisciplinaryboardmay,forthepurposesofadisciplinaryinquiryreferredtoinsubsection(1),-

(a) inwritingsummon,orcausetobesummoned,anypersonwho,intheopinionoftheboard,isabletofurnishinformationofmaterialimportancetothedisciplinaryinquiry,orwhotheboardhasreasontobelievehasinhisorherpossessionorcustodyorunderhisorhercontrolanybook,document, thing, record or other evidence relevant to the subject ofthedisciplinaryinquiry,toappearatatimeandplacespecifiedinthesummonstobeexaminedortoproducesuchbook,document, thing,recordor other evidence, andmay retain for examination anybook,document,thing,recordorevidencesoproduced;and

(b) throughthechairperson,administeranoathto,oracceptanaffirmationfrom,anypersonpresentatthedisciplinaryinquiry,andexaminehimorherorcausehimorher tobeexaminedbyapersonappointed toadducetheevidenceatthedisciplinaryinquiry,andinstructhimorhertoproduceanyrelevantbook,document,thing,recordorotherevidenceinhisorherpossessionorcustodyorunderhisorhercontrol.

(9) Adisciplinaryinquiryintermsofthissectionmustbeinaccordancewithsuchrulesofprocedureandevidenceasmaybeprescribed.

(10) Aseniorcorrectionalofficerchargedwithadisciplinaryoffenceandappearingbeforeadisciplinaryboardisatsuchdisciplinaryinquiryentitled,inpersonorthroughhisorherlegalrepresentative-

(a) tobeheard;

(b) tocallwitnesses;

(c) tocross-examineanypersoncalledasawitnessinsupportofthecharge;

(d) to examine any book, document, thing, record or other evidenceproducedinevidence;and

(e) togiveevidencehimselforherself.

(11) Thedisciplinaryboardmustkeeparecordorcausearecordtobekeptoftheproceedingsatitsdisciplinaryinquiryandofalltheevidencegiven.

(12) Apersonwho,havingbeensummonedtoappearbeforethedisciplinaryboardandtotestifyor toproduceabook,document, thing,recordorotherevidencerelevanttotheinquiry,withoutreasonablecause-

(a) failsorrefusestoappearbeforethedisciplinaryboardatthespecifiedtimeandplace;

(b) havingappearedbeforethedisciplinaryboard,refusesorfailstoansweranyquestionputtohimorhertruthfullyandtothebestofhisorherknowledge;



(c) knowinglymakesafalsestatementorrepresentationtothedisciplinaryboard;or

(d) refusesorfailstoproduceorsurrenderanybook,document,thing,recordorotherevidence inhisorherpossession, to thedisciplinaryboard,

isguiltyofanoffenceandonconviction liable toafinenotexceedingN$8000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears,or tobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,andifsuchpersonisacorrectionalofficer,heorshemay,inadditiontosuchfineorsuchimprisonmentortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,besubjectedtodisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(h)or(i).

(13) Where a senior correctional officer admits under subsection (6) tohavecommittedthedisciplinaryoffenceinquestion,orwhereat theconclusionofadisciplinaryinquiryunderthissectionthedisciplinaryboardisoftheopinionthattheseniorcorrectionalofficerconcernedisguiltyofadisciplinaryoffence, itmust,afterhavingheardevidenceinmitigation,reportitsfindingsandtheevidenceinmitigationto the Commissioner-General, and it may recommend that any one or more of thefollowingdisciplinarymeasuresbe imposedbytheCommissioner-Generaluponthatcorrectionalofficer,namely-

(a) averbalwarning;

(b) awrittenwarning;

(c) afinenotexceedingonemonth’ssalary;

(d) reductioninrank;

(e) dismissalfromtheCorrectionalService. (14) WherethedisciplinaryboardadvisestheCommissioner-General thattheseniorcorrectionalofficerconcernedis–

(a) notguiltyofthedisciplinaryoffence,theCommissioner-Generalmay,subjecttosubsection(15),confirmthefindinganddismissthechargeagainstsuchofficer;or

(b) guilty of the disciplinary offence, the Commissioner-General mayimposesuchofthedisciplinarymeasuresreferredtoinsubsection(13)andmakeanyorderasheorshemayconsidernecessary,

andtheCommissioner-Generalmust,inwriting,informthatseniorcorrectionalofficerofthefindingofguiltyornotguilty,asthecasemaybe,ofthedisciplinaryoffenceinquestionandofthedisciplinarymeasure,ifany,whichisimposeduponsuchofficerintermsofparagraph(b),orofanyordermadeunderthatparagraph.

(15) Where the Commissioner-General is of the opinion that the seniorcorrectionalofficerwasfoundnotguilty,orwheretheCommissioner-Generalsetsasidethefindingofguiltyonthegroundthat–



(a) theboardwasnotcompetenttodoso;

(b) the charge sheet onwhich the senior correctional officerwas foundguiltywasinvalidordefectiveinanyrespect;or

(c) therehasbeenanytechnicalirregularityordefectintheprocedure,

heorshemaydirectthatadisciplinaryinquiryundersubsection(1)inrespectofthesame disciplinary offence again be instituted either on the original charge, suitablyamendedwherenecessary, or upon anyother charge as if a disciplinary inquiryhasnotpreviouslybeeninstitutedagainstsuchseniorcorrectionalofficer:Providedthat,aseniorcorrectionalofficerwhowasamemberofthedisciplinaryboardthatconductedtheoriginaldisciplinaryinquiry,mustnotbeappointedasamemberoftheboardtobeappointedtoconductdisciplinaryinquirysodirectedbytheCommissioner-General.

(16) No disciplinarymeasure imposed upon a senior correctional officerundersubsection(14)maybeeffected-

(a) until the time prescribed for lodgement of an appeal under section52hasexpired,andtheseniorcorrectionalofficerconcernedhasnotlodgedanappeal;or

(b) whereanappealhasbeenlodgedundersection52,untiltheappealhasbeendismissedorwithdrawn.

(17) Where the Commissioner-General imposes a disciplinary measureagainstaseniorcorrectionalofficerforadisciplinaryoffence,heorshemayorderthatsuchmeasureorpartthereofbesuspendedforaperiodnotexceeding24months,duringwhichperiod-

(a) if the senior correctional officer commits no further disciplinaryoffence,thesuspendedmeasureorpartthereoflapsesattheendofsuchperiod;or

(b) iftheseniorcorrectionalofficercommitsanyotherdisciplinaryoffence,thesuspendedmeasureorpart thereofmust immediatelybeput intoeffect.

(18) The provisions of this section must also apply, with the necessarychanges,wheretheseniorcorrectionalofficercommittedthedisciplinaryoffencewhileheorshewasajuniorcorrectionalofficerandincaseofajuniorcorrectionalofficerwhocommitsadisciplinaryoffencetogetherwithaseniorcorrectionalofficerandthedisciplinaryinquiryonthemcannotbeseparated.

Appeals by senior correctional officers

52. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),aseniorcorrectionalofficerwhoisaggrievedbyadecisionofthedisciplinaryboardortheCommissioner-Generalattheconclusionofadisciplinaryinquiryagainstsuchseniorcorrectionalofficerintermsofsection51,orbyadisciplinarymeasureimposeduponsuchseniorcorrectionalofficerunderthatsection,may,within14daysofreceivingthenoticereferredtoinsubsection(14)ofthatsection,appealinwritingtotheMinisteragainst–



(a) thefindingsofthatboardoranyofitsrecommendations;

(b) thefindingof theCommissioner-Generalorhisorherorder,orpartthereof;or

(c) thedisciplinarymeasureinquestion.

(2) Theappealperiodreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustnotbeconsideredifwithin theprescribedperiodof14days, there isproof that theseniorcorrectionalofficer–

(a) becamehospitalised;

(b) isgrantedcompassionateleave;

(c) becamedetainedinlawfulcustody;or

(d) issentonlocalorforeignofficialmission.

(3) Theseniorcorrectionalofficerreferredtoinsubsection(2)mustlodgehisorherappealwithin14daysfromthedateofresumingduty.

(4) Theappealreferredtoinsubsection(1)and(3)mustbelodgedinsuchformandmannerastheCommissioner-Generalmaydetermine.

(5) TheMinistermay,inrespectofanappeallodgedintermsofsubsection(1)or(3),andonconsiderationofthedisciplinaryboard’sreporttotheCommissioner-Generalundersection51(13),thegroundsofappealandtherepliesbythedisciplinaryboardandtheCommissioner-Generalonthegroundsofappeal–

(a) confirmorsetasidethefindingsandrecommendationsofthedisciplinaryboard;

(b) confirm or set aside the findings and order of the Commissioner-General;

(c) confirm,setasideoralterthedisciplinarymeasureinquestion;or

(d) takeanyothermeasurethatheorshemayconsiderappropriate.

Disciplinary proceedings against senior correctional officer not to prejudice civil or criminal liability

53. (1) The institution of a disciplinary inquiry against a seniorcorrectional officer under section 51 does not prejudice the right of any person toinstitutecivilproceedingsoroftheProsecutor-Generaltoinstitutecriminalproceedingsagainstthatofficerbasedonthesamefacts.

(2) Nothinginthissectionpreventsthedisciplinaryboardfromconductingadisciplinaryinquiryandimposingapenaltyuponsuchseniorcorrectionalofficerforadisciplinaryoffencearisingfromthesamefacts.



(3) Anyinformationobtainedorevidencederivedfromquestioning inadisciplinaryinquirymay,subjecttothelawofevidenceapplicabletoacourtoflaw,beadmissibleasevidenceagainstthepersonconcernedincriminalorcivilproceedingsinacourtoflaw.

Disciplinary inquiries into conduct of junior correctional officers

54. (1) Forthepurposeofdisciplinarycontroloverjuniorcorrectionalofficers,theCommissioner-Generalmayauthoriseacorrectionalofficertobeapresidingofficerandtoinquireintotheconductofajuniorcorrectionalofficerforthepurposesofascertainingwhethersuchcorrectionalofficerhascommittedadisciplinaryoffence:Providedthatsuchauthorisedcorrectionalofficermustbeofaranknotlowerthanthatofthejuniorcorrectionalofficerwhoseconductistobeinquiredinto.

(2) Prior to commencing a disciplinary inquiry under this section, thepresidingofficermustensurethatthejuniorcorrectionalofficer,inwhoseconductheorsheistoinquire,isgivenatleast14dayswrittennoticeofsuchinquiry,andthatnoticemustsetoutthenatureandparticularsofthechargeagainstsuchofficerandstatethatsuchofficerissummonedtoappearbeforethepresidingofficeratthedate,timeandplacespecifiedthereintoanswerthecharge.

(3) A junior correctional officer receiving a notice under subsection (2)may,priortothedateofthedisciplinaryinquirysetoutinthatnotice,submitawrittenreplytothepresidingofficeradmittingthecommissionofthedisciplinaryoffenceinquestion,andthereafter thepresidingofficermay,subject tosubsection(10), imposeoneormoreofthedisciplinarymeasuresreferredtoinsubsection(10)uponthatjuniorcorrectionalofficer.

(4) Apresidingofficermayconductadisciplinaryinquirynotwithstandingthefactthattheallegeddisciplinaryoffenceformsoris,intheopinionofthepresidingofficer,likelytoformthesubjectofcriminalproceedingsinacourtoflaw.

(5) The presiding officer conducting a disciplinary inquiry in terms ofsubsection(1),mayforthepurposesofsuchinquiry-

(a) inwritingsummon,orcausetobesummoned,anypersonwho,inhisorheropinion, isable to furnish informationofmaterial importancetotheinquiry,orwhoheorshehasreasontobelievehasinhisorherpossessionorcustodyorunderhisorhercontrolanybook,document,thing,recordorotherevidencerelevanttothesubjectoftheinquiry,toappearatatimeandplacespecifiedinthesummonstobeexaminedortoproducesuchbook,document,thing,recordorotherevidence,andmayretainforexaminationanybook,document,thing,recordorotherevidencesoproduced;and

(b) administeranoathto,oracceptanaffirmationfrom,anypersonpresentattheinquiryandexaminehimorherandinstructhimorhertoproduceanyrelevantbook,document,thing,recordorotherevidenceinhisorherpossessionorcustodyorunderhisorhercontrol.

(6) Adisciplinaryinquiryintermsofthissectionmustbeinaccordancewithsuchrulesofprocedureandevidenceasmaybeprescribed.



(7) A junior correctionalofficer chargedwithadisciplinaryoffenceandappearingbeforeapresidingofficerisatsuchinquiryentitled,inpersonorthroughhisorherlegalrepresentative-

(a) tobeheard;


(c) tocross-examineanypersoncalledasawitnessinsupportofthecharge;



(8) The presiding officermust keep awritten record or cause awrittenrecordtobekeptoftheproceedingsatsuchinquiryandofalltheevidencegiven.

(9) Apersonwho,havingbeensummonedtoappearbeforethepresidingofficerandtotestifyortoproduceabook,document,thing,recordorotherevidencerelevanttotheinquiry,withoutreasonablecause-

(a) failsorrefuses toappearbefore thepresidingofficerat thespecifiedtimeandplace;

(b) havingappearedbeforethepresidingofficer,refusesorfailstoansweranyquestionputtohimorhertruthfullyandtothebestofhisorherknowledge;

(c) knowinglymakesafalsestatementorrepresentationtothepresidingofficer;or

(d) refuses or fails to produce or surrender any book, document, thing,

record or other evidence in his or her possession, to such presidingofficer,

isguiltyofanoffenceandonconviction liable toafinenotexceedingN$8000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears,or tobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,andifsuchpersonisacorrectionalofficer,heorshemay,inadditiontosuchfineorsuchimprisonmentortobothsuchfineandimprisonment,besubjectedtodisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(h)or(i). (10) Where a junior correctional officer admits under subsection (3) tohavecommittedthedisciplinaryoffenceinquestion,orwhereat theconclusionofadisciplinaryinquiryunderthissectionthepresidingofficerfindsthejuniorcorrectionalofficer concerned guilty of a disciplinary offence, such presiding officer may afterhavingheardevidenceinmitigation,makeanyappropriateorderandimposeanyoneormoreofthefollowingdisciplinarymeasuresuponthatcorrectionalofficernamely-

(a) averbalwarning;

(b) awrittenwarning;



(c) afinenotexceedingonemonth’ssalary;

(d) reductioninrank;

(e) dismissalfromtheCorrectionalService.

(11) The presiding officer must in writing notify the junior correctionalofficerconcernedofanydecisiontakenordisciplinarymeasureimposedonsuchjuniorcorrectionalofficerundersubsection(10).

(12) A disciplinarymeasure imposed under subsection (10) is subject tothewrittenconfirmationbytheCommissioner-GeneraloraseniorcorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General.

(13) On confirming the disciplinary measure imposed upon the juniorcorrectionalofficertheCommissioner-GeneralorifapplicabletheseniorcorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-Generalmay,onconsiderationofthereportofthedisciplinaryinquiryinquestion-

(a) subject tosubsection (14),confirm,alterorquash thefindingby thepresidingofficer;

(b) reduce,increase,alterorsetasidethedisciplinarymeasureoranyorderimposedormadebythepresidingofficer;or

(c) givesuchfindingor imposesuchdisciplinarymeasureormakesuchorderasthepresidingofficermighthavegiven,imposedormadeonanymatterwhichwasbeforehimorheratthedisciplinaryinquiryinquestion:

Provided that, where the Commissioner-General, or the senior correctional officerauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General,asthecasemaybe,intendstochangethefindingofnotguiltytothatofguiltyortoimposeamoreseveredisciplinarymeasurethanthatimposedduringthedisciplinaryinquiry,heorshemustnotifyinwritingtheaccused correctional officer of such intention, and such accused correctional officermustmakehisorherrepresentation,ifany,ontheintentionwithinsevenworkingdaysfromthedateofreceivingsuchnotice.

(14) Where the Commissioner-General, or the senior correctional officerauthorised thereto by the Commissioner-General, is of the opinion that, the juniorcorrectionalofficerwasfoundnotguilty,orwheretheCommissioner-General,ortheseniorcorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General,setsasidethefindingofguilty,onthegroundthat–

(a) thepresidingofficerwasnotcompetenttodoso;

(b) the charge sheet onwhich the junior correctional officerwas foundguiltywasinvalidordefectiveinanyrespect;or

(c) therehasbeenanytechnicalirregularityordefectintheprocedure,

heorshemaydirectthatadisciplinaryinquiryundersubsection(1)inrespectofthesame disciplinary offence again be instituted either on the original charge, suitably



amendedwherenecessary,oruponanyotherchargeasifadisciplinaryinquiryhasnotpreviouslybeen institutedagainst such junior correctionalofficer:Provided that, thepresidingofficerwhoconductedtheoriginaldisciplinaryinquiry,mustnotbeappointedto conduct the disciplinary inquiry so directed by theCommissioner-General or theseniorcorrectionalofficer.

(15) Subject to subsection (12), a disciplinary measure imposed undersubsection(10)isnoteffected–

(a) until the time prescribed for lodgement of an appeal under section55hasexpired,and the juniorcorrectionalofficerconcernedhasnotlodgedanappeal;or

(b) whereanappealhasbeenlodgedundersection55,untiltheappealhasbeendismissedorwithdrawn.

(16) Wherethepresidingofficerimposesadisciplinarymeasureagainstajunior correctional officer for a disciplinary offence, he or shemay order that suchmeasureorpart thereofbe suspended for aperiodnot exceeding24months, duringwhichperiod-

(a) if the junior correctional officer commits no further disciplinaryoffence,thesuspendedmeasureorpartthereoflapsesattheendofsuch24months;or

(b) ifthejuniorcorrectionalofficercommitsafurtherdisciplinaryoffence,thesuspendedmeasureorpart thereofmust immediatelybeput intoeffect.

(17) Theprovisionsofthissectionalsoapplywherethejuniorcorrectionalofficer committed thedisciplinaryoffencewhileheor shewas a senior correctionalofficer.

Appeals by junior correctional officers

55. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),ajuniorcorrectionalofficerwhoisaggrievedbyadecisionofthepresidingofficerattheconclusionofadisciplinaryinquiryagainsthimorherintermsofsection54,orbyadisciplinarymeasureimposeduponhimorherunderthatsection,may,within14daysofreceivingorbeinginformedofthewrittenconfirmationreferredtoinsubsection(12)ofthatsection,appealinwritingtotheMinisteragainst-

(a) thefindingsororderofthepresidingofficer,orpartthereof;

(b) thefindingsororder,orpartthereof,oftheCommissioner-GeneralortheseniorcorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General;or

(c) thedisciplinarymeasureinquestion.

(2) Theappealperiodreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustnotbeconsideredifwithin theprescribedperiodof14days, there isproof that the juniorcorrectionalofficer–



(a) becamehospitalised;

(b) isgrantedcompassionateleave;

(c) becamedetainedinlawfulcustody;or

(d) issentonlocalorforeignmission.

(3) Thejuniorcorrectionalofficerreferredtoinsubsection(2)mustlodgehisorherappealwithin14daysfromthedateofresumingduty.

(4) Theappealreferredtoinsubsection(1)and(3)mustbelodgedinsuchformandmannerastheCommissioner-Generalmaydetermine.

(5) TheMinistermayinrespectofanappeallodgedintermsofsubsection(1)or(3),andonconsiderationofareportonthedisciplinaryinquiryinquestion,tobesubmittedtotheMinisterbytheCommissioner-General,thegroundsofappealandtherepliesbythepresidingofficerandtheCommissioner-General,ortheseniorcorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General,ongroundsofappeal-

(a) confirmorsetasidethefindingororderagainstthejuniorcorrectionalofficer;

(b) confirm,setasideoralterthedisciplinarymeasureinquestion;or

(c) takeanyothermeasurethatheorshemayconsiderappropriate.

Disciplinary proceedings against junior correctional officer not to prejudice civil or criminal liability

56. The provisions of section 53 applywith the necessary changes to adisciplinaryinquiryagainstajuniorcorrectionalofficerundersection54.

Inefficiency and unsuitability of correctional officers

57. (1) Subject to subsection (17), the Commissioner-General mayappointanadhocboardof inquiry to inquire into theefficiencyandsuitabilityofacorrectionalofficer to remain in theCorrectionalServiceor to retainhisorher rankwhensuchcorrectionalofficerisunfitforhisorherdutiesorisincapableofperformingthemefficiently,isconvictedofacriminaloffenceoris,withinaperiodofthreeyears,convictedoffiveormoredisciplinaryoffences.

(2) Theboardofinquiry,referredtoinsubsection(1),comprisesnotlessthanthreepersons,andwhereacorrectionalofficerisappointedasamemberofsuchboard,heorshemustbeofaranknotlowerthanthatofthecorrectionalofficerintowhoseconducttheboardistoinquire.

(3) TheCommissioner-Generalmustdesignateamemberoftheboardofinquiryasthechairpersonofthatboard.

(4) (a) Theboardofinquirymustholditsinquiryonsuchadateandatsuchtimesandplacesasthechairpersonofthatboardmaydetermine.



(b) Thechairpersonandonememberoftheboardconstituteaquorumoftheboard.

(5) Priortocommencinganinquiryunderthissection,theboardofinquirymustensurethatacorrectionalofficer,inwhoseefficiencyandsuitabilitytheboardistoinquire,isgivenatleast14dayswrittennoticeofsuchinquiry,andthatnoticemustsetoutthenatureandparticularsforthegroundsoftheinquiryagainstsuchofficerandstatethatsuchofficerissummonedtoappearbeforethatboardatthedate,timeandplacespecifiedthereintoanswertothegroundsofinquiry.

(6) Theboardofinquirymayforthepurposesofaninquiryreferredtoinsubsection(1)- (a) in writing summon, or cause to be summoned, any person who, in

the opinion of the board, is able to furnish information of materialimportancetotheinquiry,orwhotheboardhasreasontobelievehasinhisorherpossessionorcustodyorunderhisorhercontrolanybook,document,thing,recordorotherevidencerelevanttothesubjectoftheinquiry,toappearatatimeandplacespecifiedinthesummonstobeexaminedor toproducesuchbook,document, thing, recordorotherevidence,andmayretainforexaminationanybook,document,thing,recordorevidencesoproduced;and

(b) throughthechairperson,administeranoathto,oracceptanaffirmationfrom, any person present at the inquiry, and examine him or her orcausehimorhertobeexaminedbyapersonappointedtoadducetheevidenceattheinquiry,andinstructhimorhertoproduceanyrelevantbook,document,thing,recordorotherevidenceinhisorherpossessionorcustodyorunderhisorhercontrol.

(7) An inquiry in termsof thissectionmustbe inaccordancewithsuchrulesofprocedureandevidenceasmaybeprescribed.

(8) Acorrectionalofficerappearingbeforetheboardofinquiryis,atsuchinquiry,entitled,inpersonorthroughhisorherlegalrepresentative-

(a) tobeheard;


(c) to cross-examine any person called as a witness in support of thegroundsoftheinquiry;



(9) Thechairpersonoftheboardofinquirymustkeeparecord,orcausearecordtobekept,oftheproceedingsatitsinquiryandofalltheevidencegiven.



(10) Apersonwho,havingbeensummonedtoappearbeforetheboardofinquiryandtotestifyortoproduceabook,document,thing,recordorotherevidencerelevanttotheinquiry,withoutreasonablecause-

(a) failsorrefuses toappearbefore theboardof inquiryat thespecifiedtimeandplace;

(b) havingappearedbeforetheboardofinquiry,refusesorfailstoansweranyquestionputtohimorhertruthfullyandtothebestofhisorherknowledge;

(c) knowinglymakesa false statementor representation to theboardofinquiry;or

(d) refusesorfailstoproduceorsurrenderanybook,document,thing,recordorotherevidenceinhisorherpossession,totheboardofinquiry,

isguiltyofanoffence,andonconvictionbeliabletoafinenotexceedingN$8000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears,or tobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,andifsuchpersonisacorrectionalofficer,heorshemay,inadditiontosuchfineorsuchimprisonmentortobothsuchfineandimprisonment,besubjectedtodisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(h)or(i).

(11) The board of inquiry referred to under subsection (1) must, at theconclusionoftheinquiry,pronounceitsfindingandsubmittherecordofproceedingstotheCommissioner-General.

(12) Where theCommissioner-General, on considerationof the recordofproceedingsreferredtoinsubsection(11),isoftheopinionthatthecorrectionalofficerconcerned is incapableofperforminghisorherduties efficientlyor isunsuitable toremainintheCorrectionalService,mayreduceinrankordischargesuchofficerfromtheCorrectionalServiceandmustinwritingnotifyhimorherofsuchadecision.

(13) Thereductioninrankordischargeundersubsection(12)mustnotbeeffected-

(a) untilthetimeprescribedforlodgementofanappealundersubsection(14)hasexpired,andthecorrectionalofficerconcernedhasnotlodgedanappeal;or

(b) whereanappealhasbeenlodgedundersubsection(14),untiltheappealhasbeendismissedorwithdrawn.

(14) The correctional officer who is aggrieved by the decision of theCommissioner-General under subsection (12), may within 14 days of receiving thewrittennoticeinforminghimorherofsuchadecision,appealtotheMinisteragainstsuchdecision.

(15) TheMinistermay,inrespectofanappeallodgedintermsofsubsection(14),onconsiderationoftherecordofproceedings,tobesubmittedtotheMinisterbytheCommissioner-General, thegroundsofappealand thecommentsof theboardofinquiryortheCommissioner-Generalonthegroundsofappeal–



(a) confirmorsetasidethedecisiontakenagainstthecorrectionalofficer;or

(b) takeanyothermeasurethatheorshemayconsiderexpedient.

(16) Theinquiry,byreasonofbeingconvictedofacriminaloffence,canbeconductednotwithstandingthefactthatthecorrectionalofficerisbeingchargedorwasacquittedofadisciplinaryoffenceundersection50(e)(i).

(17) Apersonwhowasamemberof thedisciplinaryboardreferred to insection51(1)orapresidingofficerreferredtoinsection54(1)mustnotbeappointedasmemberoftheboardofinquiryunderthissectionwheresuchdisciplinaryboardorsuchpresidingofficer,asthecasemaybe,conductedadisciplinaryinquiryagainstthecorrectionalofficerwhoseefficiencyandsuitabilityistobeinquiredinto,foranyofthefiveormoreoffencesreferredtoinsubsection(1).

Suspension and dismissal of correctional officers

58. (1) TheCommissioner-General, or any other senior correctionalofficer duly authorised thereto by the Commissioner-General, may suspend anycorrectionalofficerwho is suspected tocommitor ischargedwithanoffenceunderthisActoranyotherlawfromtheperformanceofhisorherfunctionsasacorrectionalofficer–

(a) pendinghisorhertrialfortheoffence;

(b) pendingtheinstitutionofadisciplinaryinquiryagainsthimorher;

(c) pendingtheoutcomeofthecourtordisciplinaryinquiryagainsthimorher;

(d) pending the institution on an inquiry into his or her efficiency andsuitabilitytoremainintheCorrectionalServiceortoretainhisorherrank;or

(e) afterhisorherconvictionoftheoffence.

(2) Subject to subsection (8), the Commissioner-Generalmust, where acorrectionalofficerisunderarrestordetention,orisservingatermofimprisonmentforaperiodof30daysorless,suspendsuchcorrectionalofficerfromtheperformanceofhisorherfunctionsforsuchperiodofdetentionorimprisonment.

(3) Except in a case contemplated in subsection (2), or where it is inthe interest of the Correctional Service that the correctional officer be immediatelysuspended,theCommissioner-Generalmust,atleastsevendaysbeforesuspensionofacorrectionalofficer,conductahearingorcauseahearingtobeconductedatwhichthecorrectionalofficerconcernedmustbegivenanopportunitytomakepresentationsastowhyheorsheshouldnotbesuspended.

(4) Duringhisorhersuspension,thecorrectionalofficermustnotwearaCorrectionalServiceuniformandthepowers,functionsandauthorityvestedinhimorherasacorrectionalofficeraresuspended,butheorshecontinuestobesubjecttothesamedisciplineandpenaltiesasifheorshehadnotbeensuspended.



(5) Acorrectionalofficersuspended in termsofsubsection (1)or (2) is,inrespectoftheperiodofhisorhersuspension,notentitledtoanysalarytowhichheorshewouldotherwisehavebeenentitled,asacorrectionalofficer, ifheorshehadnotbeensuspended,except to theextentas theMinistermay,at the requestofsuchcorrectionalofficer,directotherwise.

(6) TheCommissioner-General, in relation to a correctionalofficerwhohasbeensuspendedintermsofsubsection(1)–

(a) mayatanytimepermitsuchcorrectionalofficertoreassumedutybeforetheoutcomeofthecourt’sdecisionordisciplinaryinquiryagainstthatofficer as the Commissioner-General may consider appropriate, butsuchpermissiondoesnotaffectthecourtproceedingsorthedisciplinaryinquiry;

(b) mustforthwithpermitsuchcorrectionalofficertoreassumehisorherdutyif–

(i) aftertheinvestigation,heorsheisnotchargedoftheoffenceforwhichheorshewassuspectedtocommit;

(ii) heorsheisfoundnotguilty;

(iii) heorshesuccessfullyappealsunderthisActoranyotherlawagainsthisorherconvictionofsuchchargeorthedisciplinarymeasureofdismissalfromtheCorrectionalService;or

(iv) thecharge,inrespectofwhichheorshewassuspended,doesnot result in such officer’s dismissal from the CorrectionalService.

(7) Subjecttosection52orsection55,asthecasemaybe,ifacorrectionalofficerwhowassuspendedis,pursuanttodisciplinaryinquiry,reducedinrank,heorshemustbepaidthesalaryapplicabletotheranktowhichheorsheisreducedfromthedatewhenthedisciplinarymeasureofreductioninrankbecameeffective.

(8) Acorrectionalofficerwhoisunderarrestordetentionorwhoisservinga termof imprisonment, foraperiodexceeding30days, isconsidered tohavebeendismissedfromtheCorrectionalServicewitheffectfromthedateimmediatelyfollowingtheexpiryoftheperiodof30days.

(9) AcorrectionalofficerwhoisdismissedfromtheCorrectionalServiceundersubsection(8),may,withinsevendaysfromthedayofhisorherdismissal,applyto theMinister, through theCommissioner-General, for reinstatementgiving reasonsthereof.

(10) The Minister may, on consideration of the application and therecommendation of the Commissioner-General, reinstate the dismissed correctionalofficerinthepostoremploymentpreviouslyheldbyhimorherorinanyotherpostoremploymentonsuchconditionsasmaybeapprovedbytheMinister,butwithasalaryorscaleofsalaryorgradenothigherthanthesalaryorscaleofsalaryorgradepreviouslyapplicabletohimorher,andinsuchacasetheperiodofhisorherabsencefromhisor her office or official duties is considered to have been absence on leavewithoutremuneration.



Absenteeism, desertion and dismissal

59. (1) AcorrectionalofficermustnotabsenthimselforherselffromhisorherpostorofficialdutieswithoutreasonablecauseorwithoutthepriorwrittenpermissionoftheCommissioner-General,theofficerincharge,oranothercorrectionalofficer authorised by the Commissioner-General or officer in charge, to grant suchpermission.

(2) A correctional officerwho,without reasonable cause or the explicitpermissionoftheCommissioner-General,theofficerincharge,oranothercorrectionalofficer authorised by the Commissioner-General or officer in charge to grant suchpermission,absentshimselforherselffromdutyforaperiodof30daysorlonger,isconsideredtohavedesertedtheCorrectionalService.

(3) AcorrectionalofficerwhohasreasonablecausetobeabsentfromhisorherpostorofficialdutiesmustinformtheCommissioner-Generalortheofficerinchargeofhisorherreasonablecausetobeabsent,andtheCommissioner-Generalorofficerinchargemustdeterminewhethersuchcauseisreasonableornot.

(4) A correctional officer who has deserted the Correctional Serviceas contemplated in subsection (2) is considered to have been dismissed from theCorrectionalServicewitheffectfromthedateimmediatelysucceedingthedayheorshebecameadeserter.

Emoluments not to accrue during absence without leave or imprisonment

60. Acorrectionalofficerisnotentitledtoanyemolumentsinrespectofanyperiodduringwhichheorsheisabsentfromdutywithoutleave,orisservingasentenceof imprisonment, except where the Commissioner-General or a senior correctionalofficer,dulyauthorisedtheretobytheCommissioner-General,authorisesthepaymentofsuchemolumentsequaltonotmorethanonehalfofthecorrectionalofficer’ssalaryforthatperiod,asheorshemayconsiderappropriate.

PARTVIIIADMISSIONANDCUSTODYOFOFFENDERS

Admission of offenders into correctional facility

61. (1) Apersonmaynotbereceivedintoacorrectionalfacilityforthepurposesofcustody,exceptundertheauthorityof-

(a) a remand warrant, order of detention, warrant of conviction orcommittal, signedorauthenticatedbyapersonauthorised to signorauthenticatesuchwarrantororderundertheprovisionsofanylaw;

(b) awarrantofanimmigrationofficerissuedundertheprovisionsoftheImmigrationControlAct,1993(ActNo.7of1993);or

(c) awrittenorderofdetention,signedbyamemberof thepoliceoforabovetherankofSergeant,whichorderisvalidonlyforsuchperiodasisnecessarytoobtainawarrantororderreferredtoinparagraph(a).



(2) Theofficer incharge,oranyothercorrectionalofficeronduty,mustsatisfyhimselforherselfbeforetheadmissionofanypersonintothecorrectionalfacilityforcustodythat-

(a) theparticularsofsuchpersonareaccuratelydescribedinthewarrantororderreferredtoinsubsection(1),accompanyingsuchperson;and

(b) suchwarrantororderhasbeenproperlyissuedorauthenticated.

(3) Theofficer in chargeor anyother correctionalofficeronduty,mustnotrefusetoadmitapersonintoacorrectionalfacilityforcustodyonlybyreasonofanerroronthefaceofthewarrantororderreferredtoinsubsection(1),butmusttakesteps,assoonasispracticable,tohavetheerrorrectified.

(4) Whena convictedperson is admitted into a correctional facility, theofficerinchargemustensure,assoonaspracticable,thatallreasonablestepsaretakentoobtain-

(a) relevantinformationabouttheoffence;

(b) relevant information about the offender, including his or her social,economic,criminalandyoung-offenderhistory;

(c) anyreasonsandrecommendationsrelatingtosentencingorcommittalthataregivenbythecourtduringconviction,sentencingorcommittalorduringappeal;

(d) any reports relevant to conviction, sentence or committal that weresubmittedtocourt;and

(e) any other information relevant to administering the sentence orcommittal, including existing information from the police or victim,thevictimimpactstatementandthetranscriptofanycommentsmadebythecourtregardingparoleeligibility.

(5) Thecourt,policeandanyotherrelevantbodyorpersonmustprovidetotheofficerinchargetheinformationreferredtoinsubsection(4).

(6) Where access to the information obtained under subsection (4) isrequestedinwritingbytheconcernedoffender,theoffendermustbeprovidedaccesstosuchinformationinthemannerdeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

(7) Where theoffenderwhohasbeengivenaccess to informationundersubsection(6)believesthat,thereisanerrororomissiontotheinformation-

(a) heorshemayinformtheofficerincharge,inwriting,andsuchwritteninformationmustbeattachedtotheinformationclaimedtobehavinganerrororomission,and

(b) theofficerinchargemusttakethenecessarymeasurestoestablishthecorrectnessoftheinformationsuppliedbytheoffender.



(8) Except as provided in any other law, the officer in charge or anycorrectionalofficerdulyauthorisedtheretobytheofficer incharge,mustbeallowedaccesstotheinformationreferredtoinsubsection(4)andmaygivesuchinformationoranyotherinformationtheofficerinchargeorthecorrectionalofficerpossessesandthatisrelevanttodecisionmakingrelatingtotheoffenderorthesupervisionoftheoffender,to the National Release Board, police or person authorised by the Commissioner-General,orunderanylaw,tosuperviseoffenders.

Admission of female offenders with infants and admission of pregnant offenders

62. (1) Afemaleoffendermaybeadmittedintoacorrectionalfacilityforcustodywithherinfant.

(2) Aninfantreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustbesuppliedwithclothingandothernecessariesbytheStateuntilsuchinfantattainstheageoftwoyears,inwhichcasetheofficerinchargemust,ontherecommendationofthemedicalofficerandonconsideringthebestinterestsoftheinfant–

(a) onbeingsatisfiedthatthereisarelativeorfriendoftheinfantableandwilling tosupport such infant,cause the infant tobehandedover tosuchrelativeorfriend;or

(b) ifinhisorheropinionthereisnorelativeorfriendableandwillingtosupportthatinfant,handsuchinfantover,subjecttotherelevantlaws,tothecareofsuchwelfareauthorityastheCommissioner-Generalmayapproveforthatpurpose.

(3) A femaleoffender,who ispregnant,mustbeadmitted intoa femalecorrectional facility or into a section of a correctional facility kept apart for femaleoffenders.

(4) In a female correctional facility or in a section of a correctionalfacilitykeptapartforfemaleoffenders,theremust,asfarasispracticable,bespecialaccommodationforallnecessarypre-natalandpost-natalcareandtreatment:Providedthat, arrangements must be made for children to be born in a hospital outside thecorrectionalfacility,butwhereachildisborninacorrectionalfacilitythefactthatheorshewasborninsuchfacilitymustnotbementionedinthatchild’sbirthcertificate.Disposal of offender’s personal effects

63. (1) Onadmissionofapersontoacorrectionalfacilityforpurposesofdetainmenttherein,allmoney,clothesandpersonaleffectsbelongingtosuchpersonwhichheorsheisnotpermittedbyorunderthisActorstandingordersoradministrativedirectives issued by the Commissioner-General under section 5(3) to retain, must,subjecttosubsection(4),beplacedintothecustodyoftheofficerincharge,andwhichmust,subjecttosubsection(3),bereturnedtosuchpersononhisorherreleasefromsuchcorrectionalfacility.

(2) Theofficerinchargemustkeeporcausetobekeptaninventoryofallmoney,clothes,orpersonaleffectsplacedinhisorhercustodyundersubsection(1)andmustcauseacopyofsuchinventorytobegiventotheoffenderconcerned.



(3) Wherein theopinionof theofficer inchargetheclothesofapersonreferredtoinsubsection(1)aresoold,wornout,ordirtyastobeunsuitableforfurtheruse,theofficerinchargemayorderthemtobedestroyed,andonreleaseofthatpersonfromthecorrectionalfacilitytheofficerinchargemustprovidesuchpersonwiththenecessarysuitableclothingattheState’sexpense.

(4) The officer in charge may prohibit any offender admitted to thecorrectionalfacilityfromretaininganypropertywhich,byreasonofitsbulkornature,cannotconvenientlybestoredinthecorrectionalfacility.

(5) Every offender whose property has been taken into custody undersubsection (1)must state thenameof thepersonorpersons towhomsuchpropertyshouldbehandedtointheeventofhisorherdyingintestateinthecorrectionalfacility,andsuchnameornamesmustberecordedintherelevantregistersatthecorrectionalfacility.

(6) Where,withinsixmonthsafterthereleasefromthecorrectionalfacility,theescapeorthedeathofanoffender,thepropertyofsuchoffenderisforanyreasonnotreturnedtothatoffenderortohisorherpersonalrepresentativeorapersonnamedbythatoffenderundersubsection(5),asthecasemaybe,theofficerinchargemustsubmitaninventoryofsuchpropertytothemagistratescourtforthedistrictwithinwhichthecorrectionalfacilityissituated,fordisposalofsuchproperty.

(7) Whereaninventoryofaprisoner’spropertyissubmittedtoamagistrate’scourtundersubsection(6),thecourtmust-

(a) takecustodyofthepropertyspecifiedintheinventory;and

(b) causeapublicnoticetobepostedinaconspicuouspartofthecourtandinonenewspapercirculating in thedistrictof suchcourt, specifyingthepropertyandinvitinganypersonwhomayhaveabonafideclaimthereto toappearbefore thecourt andestablish thatclaimwithin14daysofthenotice.

(8) Ifwithin14daysofthenoticementionedinsubsection(7)nobonafideclaimtothepropertyislaidbeforethecourt,thecourtmustorderthepropertytobesoldinaccordancewiththeCourt’sprescribedprocedure,andtheproceedsfromthatsaleandanyunclaimedmoneyspecifiedintheinventoryreferredtointhatsubsectionmustbepaidintotheStateRevenueFund.

Separation and security classification and re-classification of offenders

64. (1) Offenders must, on admission to a correctional facility, beseparatedbytheofficerinchargeintooneormoreofthefollowinggroups,namely-

(a) convictedoffenders;

(b) unconvictedoffenders;

(c) juvenileoffenders;

(d) femaleoffenders



(e) offenderswhoaresufferingfromamentalillness;and

(f) suchothergroupsastheCommissioner-Generalmaydetermine,

andsofarasthecorrectionalfacilityaccommodationrendersitpracticable,eachgroupmustbedetainedseparately.

(2) Theofficer inchargemust assignor cause tobeassigneda securityclassificationor re-classification to eachoffender in accordancewith the conditions,mannerandproceduresasmaybedeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

Offenders in custody of officer in charge

65. (1) Subject to subsection (3), every person committed to acorrectionalfacilityisinthelawfulcustodyoftheofficerinchargeduringthewholeperiodofimprisonment,andissubjecttothecorrectionsdisciplineand,applicabletosuchperson,theprovisionsofthisActandanyadministrativedirective,standingorderorrulemadeorissuedundersection5(3)ofthisAct.

(2) Theofficerinchargemustensurethateverypersoncommittedtothecorrectional facilityunderawarrantororder, isdetained therein inaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthatwarrantororder,untilsuchpersonislawfullyreleasedfromthatcorrectionalfacility.

(3) (a) Anoffenderwho is being transferredor conveyed fromonecorrectional facility to another correctional facility or place by acorrectionalofficer,memberofthepolice,orprobationofficeroranyother person authorised under thisAct or any other law to transferor convey such offender is, while outside the correctional facility,consideredtobeinthelawfulcustodyoftheofficerinchargeofthecorrectional facility from which he or she is being transferred orconveyed.

(b) Anoffenderwhoescapes from the custodyof a correctional officer,memberofthepoliceorprobationofficeroranyotherpersonreferredtoinparagraph(a),asthecasemaybe,escapesfromlawfulcustodyforthepurposesofanylaw.

Custody of female offenders

66. Female offenders must at all times, during their detention orimprisonment, be under the care, custody and supervision of female correctionalofficers,whoareresponsiblefortheirdiscipline.

Custody of person under arrest

67. ApersonarrestedinpursuanceofanywarrantororderofcourtorundertheprovisionsoftheCriminalProcedureAct,1977(ActNo.51of1977),providingforanarrestwithoutawarrant,maybehandedovertoacorrectionalfacilityforcustodyanddetention,andtheofficerinchargeofthatcorrectionalfacilitymustcausethatpersontobebroughtbeforethenearestmagistrate’scourtinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofArticle11(3)oftheNamibianConstitution.



Custody of remanded offenders

68. Whereanoffenderiscommittedforremandinacorrectionalfacilitybyorderofacourtorothercompetentauthority,heorshemustbehandedoverintothecustodyoftheofficerinchargethereofwiththewarrantofcommittal,andtheofficerinchargemust-

(a) detainsuchoffenderincustodyforsuchperiod;and

(b) causesuchoffendertobedeliveredtothecourtorcompetentauthorityortobereleasedfromthecorrectionalfacilityatsuchtime,

asthetermsofthewarrantinquestionmayspecify.

Custody of juveniles awaiting trial or awaiting conclusion of trial

69. (1) Ajuvenilewhoisawaitingtrialorawaitingtheconclusionofhisorhertrialmustnotbedetainedinacorrectionalfacility,unless,intheopinionofthecourt,suchdetentionisnecessaryandnosuitableplaceofdetentionasdefinedintheChildren’sAct,1960(ActNo.33of1960)isavailableforhisorherdetention.

(2) Indecidingastothesuitabilityofaplaceofdetentionforajuvenilereferredtoinsubsection(1),regardmustbehadto-

(a) thejuvenile’sage,sexandcharacter;and

(b) thenatureoftheoffencewithwhichheorsheischarged.

(3) Whereafemalejuvenileisdetainedinacorrectionalfacility,shemustatalltimesbeunderthecareandchargeofafemalecorrectionalofficer.

Escort of offenders to courts and offenders under police escort

70. (1) Subjecttosection71,whereasentencedoffenderoranoffenderonremandorawaitingtrialisrequiredtoattendcourt,heorshemustbetakenfromthecorrectionalfacilitytothecourtinthecustodyofacorrectionalofficer,andremainsunderthesupervisionandguardofsuchcorrectionalofficeruntilheorsheisreturnedtothecorrectionalfacilityordischargedbythecourt,asthecasemaybe. (2) Subjecttosections65(3)and66,whereanoffenderisbeingconveyedfrom a correctional facility to another place and the number of correctional officersrequired to escort suchoffender is insufficient to securehisorher safe custody, theofficerinchargeofthecorrectionalfacilityfromwhichtheoffenderistobeconveyedmay, with the general or special permission of the Inspector-General, commit suchoffenderintothecustodyofsuchnumberofmembersofthepolice,detailedforsuchduty,asheorsheconsidersappropriate.

Offender required at court

71. (1) Whereanoffenderisrequiredtoattendacourtforthepurposesoftestifyingatanyofitsproceedingsthecourtmayissueanorderdirectedtotheofficerinchargeofthecorrectionalfacilitywherethatoffenderisdetainedrequiringhimorhertoproducetheoffenderatthetimeandplacespecifiedintheorder,andtheofficerinchargemustcomplywithsuchorder.



(2) Thecourtbeforewhichanoffenderisorderedtoappearundersubsection(1)maygivesuchdirectionsastothecostsofcompliancewiththecourtorder,asthecourtmayconsiderappropriate.

Preparation of defence by offender

72. Anoffendermustbeforecommencementof,andduringhisorhertrial,beaffordedadequatefacilitiesinthecorrectionalfacilityorotherplaceofdetentionforthepreparationandpresentationofhisorherdefence,andforthatpurposetheofficerinchargemustensurethat-

(a) theoffender’s legalrepresentativehasadequatefacilities toprivatelyinterviewtheoffender;and

(b) where the offender is unable to communicate with his or her legalrepresentativeintheofficiallanguage,asuitableinterpreterisprovided.

Questioning of offender by member of police

73. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),amemberofthepolicemay-

(a) withtheapprovaloftheofficerincharge;or

(b) ontheproductionofawrittenorderfromthememberofthepoliceinchargeofapolicestationorof,orabove,therankofwarrantofficer;and

(c) inthesightandhearingofacorrectionalofficer,

questionwithinthecorrectionalfacility,anyoffenderforthepurposesofanycriminalinvestigation.

(2) Whereanoffender is requiredat apolice station forquestioning forpurposesofacriminalinvestigation,thecourtmayontheapplicationofamemberofthepolice-

(a) of,orabove,therankofwarrantofficer,inrespectofanunconvictedoffender;or

(b) of, or above, the rank of chief inspector, in respect of a convictedoffender,

orderthatsuchoffenderbetemporarilyremovedfromthecorrectionalfacilityandbehandedover to thecustodyofaprobationofficeroramemberof thepolicefor thatpurposeandtheoffenderisconsideredtobeservinghisorhersentenceasifheorshewasnotsoremoved.

(3) Anoffenderwhoescapesfromthecustodyofaprobationofficeroramemberofthepolice,referredtoinsubsection(1),isconsideredtohaveescapedfromlawfulcustodyforthepurposesofanylaw.



Transfer of offender from one correctional facility to another

74. (1) Alawfullyimposedsentenceofimprisonmentmaybeservedpartlyinonecorrectionalfacilityandpartlyinanothercorrectionalfacility.

(2) The Commissioner-General may by general or special order directthatanoffenderbe transferred from thecorrectional facility towhichheor shewascommittedorinwhichheorsheisdetainedtoanothercorrectionalfacilitytakingintoconsideration-

(a) thedegreeandkindofcustodyandcontrolnecessaryfor-

(i) thesafetyofthepublic;

(ii) thesafetyof theoffenderandotherpersonsinacorrectionalfacility,and

(iii) thesecurityofthecorrectionalfacilityapplicable;

(b) the availability of appropriate programmes and services and theoffender’swillingnesstoparticipateinthoseprogrammesorservices;and

(c) wheneverpossible,theaccessibilitytotheoffender’sfamily.

(3) Where an offender is transferred from one correctional facility toanother pursuant to this section, the officer in charge of the correctional facility towheretheoffenderhadbeentransferredmust,wherethewhereaboutsofsuchoffender’simmediatefamilyisknowntothatcorrectionalfacility’sauthorities,informsuchfamilyofsuchtransfer.

Offenders to be informed of provisions of Act and applicable rules, orders and directives

75. (1) Subjecttosubsection(3),theprovisionsofthisActandanyrule,standingorder,oradministrativedirectivemadeorissuedundersection5(3),relatingtothetreatmentandconductofoffendersmustbeprintedintheofficiallanguageandin any other languages that theCommissioner-Generalmaydetermine, andmust bemadeavailabletoeveryoffenderimmediatelyonadmissiontoacorrectionalfacility,orifanoffenderisunabletoreadandunderstandanyofthelanguagesinwhichthesaidprovisionshavebeenprinted,theofficerinchargemustensurethatthecontentsofthoseprovisionsareorallyexplainedtosuchoffender.

(2) Theofficerinchargemaydisplayorcausetobedisplayed,inwriting,inaconspicuouspartofthecorrectionalfacilityanypartoftheprovisionsreferredtoundersubsection(1).

(3) The Commissioner-General may, by general or specific directive,indicatewhichinformationshouldnotbemadeavailabletooffendersif,intheopinionoftheCommissioner-General,suchinformation,ifmadeavailable,mayjeopardisethesecurityofthecorrectionalfacilityoraffecttheeffectivemanagementoftheoffenders.



Offenders’ input into decisions

76. The Correctional Service must, in such manner and to such extentasdeterminedby theCommissioner-General,provideoffenderswith theopportunityto contribute todecisionsof theCorrectionalServiceaffecting theoffenders, exceptdecisionsrelatingtosecuritymatters.

Visitors, receiving of letters, procurement of necessaries and other privileges

77. (1) SubjecttothisActandanyapplicablerule,standingorder,oradministrativedirectivemadeor issuedundersection5(3), theofficer inchargeofacorrectionalfacilitymay,forthepurposeofpromotingandmaintainingarelationshipbetweentheoffender,familyandcommunityandfacilitatingthesuccessfulreintegrationoftheoffenderintothecommunity,permitanyoffenderto-

(a) receivevisitors;

(b) receiveletters,subjecttocensorshipbytheofficerinchargeorothercorrectionalofficerauthorisedtheretobytheofficerincharge;and

(c) receivefromoutsideofthecorrectionalfacilitysuchfood,unfermenteddrink,bedding,clothing,literatureandothernecessariesoflifeasmaybepermittedunderstrictexamination.

(2) TheCommissioner-Generalmaygrantotherprivilegesorindulgencesasheorshemayconsiderappropriatetoanyoffender.

(3) The Commissioner-General may, after having given an offender anopportunitytobeheard,withdraworamendanypermissiontoreceivevisitors,lettersoranyotherprivilegesorindulgences,forsuchperiodoftimeastheCommissioner-Generalmayconsiderappropriate.

(4) To the extent that the provisions of paragraph (b) of subsection (1)authorise interferencewith theprivacyofaperson’scorrespondence inconflictwithArticle 13 of theNamibianConstitution, such interference is authorised in termsofthatArticleonlyonthegroundsof,andtotheextentnecessaryfor,thepreventionofdisorderorcrimeortheprotectionoftherightsandfreedomsofothers.

Letters and documents written by or on behalf of offender

78. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),everyletterordocumentwritteninacorrectionalfacilitybyoronbehalfofanoffendermust,beforebeingdispatchedfromthecorrectionalfacility,bedeliveredtotheofficerinchargewhomaycensorsuchletterordocumentorcausesuchletterordocumenttobecensoredandthecorrectionalofficercensoringsuchletterordocumentmustendorseonsuchletterordocument–

(a) thenameofsuchcorrectionalfacility;

(b) astatementauthorisingthedispatchoftheletterordocument;and

(c) hisorhersignature.



(2) Theprovisionsofsubsection(1)donotapplytoaletterordocumentaddressedto–

(a) theOmbudsmanundersection3(3)oftheOmbudsmanAct,1990(ActNo.7of1990);or

(b) thelegalrepresentativeofsuchoffender:

Providedthat,suchletterordocumentmust,beforebeingdispatchedandinthepresenceoftheoffender,besealed,registeredintheprescribedregisterandputintherelevantdispatchbag.

(3) Totheextentthattheprovisionsofsubsection(1)authoriseinterferencewiththeprivacyofaperson’scorrespondenceinconflictwithArticle13oftheNamibianConstitution,suchinterferenceisauthorisedintermsofthatArticleonlyonthegroundsof,andtotheextentnecessaryfor,thepreventionofdisorderorcrimeortheprotectionoftherightsandfreedomsofothers.

PARTIXPENALTIESFORCERTAINOFFENCES

Possession of prohibited article

79. (1) Subject to subsection (2), anypersonother than anoffenderwho-

(a) has inhisorherpossessionorunderhisorher control aprohibitedarticle, either on his or her person or in any other placewithin thepremisesofthecorrectionalfacility;or

(b) removesfromortakesintothepremisesofthecorrectionalfacilityaprohibitedarticle,

isguiltyofanoffence, andonconviction liable toafinenotexceedingN$4000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceeding12months,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment.

(2) Apersonisnotguiltyofanoffenceundersubsection(1)ifsuchperson-

(a) is a correctional officer or any other person employed in or aboutsuch correctional facility or the Correctional Service and has comeintopossessionofsucharticleinthecourseofhisorherfunctionsoremploymentinsuchcorrectionalfacilityorintheCorrectionalService;or

(b) has written authorisation of the officer in charge concerned or theCommissioner-Generaltoretainthatarticleortotakeitintoorremoveitfromthecorrectionalfacility.

Unlawful conveyance, dispatch, delivery or transmission

80. Any person, other than a correctional officer or any other personemployedinoraboutacorrectionalfacilityortheCorrectionalService,who,withoutthepriorauthorisationoftheCommissioner-Generalortheofficerincharge–



(a) conveys,dispatches,delivers,ortransmitsfromacorrectionalfacilityaletterordocumentonbehalfofanoffender;

(b) conveys,dispatches,delivers,transmitsto,orgives,anoffenderaletter,document, intoxicating liquor, habit forming drug having a narcoticeffect,opiate,money,clothing,orotherprovisionorarticle;


Unauthorised entrance into, and loitering near, correctional facility

81. Anypersonwho-

(a) withoutthepriorpermissionoftheofficerinchargeorothercorrectionalofficer authorised thereto by the officer in charge, enters upon thepremisesofacorrectionalfacility;

(b) is found loitering within one hundred metres of the perimeters ofthepremisesofacorrectionalfacilityorofanyotherplacewhereanoffenderoroffendersmaybecarryingoutcorrectionsactivitiesandwhofailstodeparttherefromuponbeingorderedtodosobyacorrectionalofficerormemberofthepolice;

(c) wilfullyridesordrivesanyvehicleorleadsanyanimalthroughagroupofoffendersinsideoroutsideofacorrectionalfacility;or

(d) inanymannerwilfullyinterfereswiththeactivitiesofanycorrectionalofficeroroffender,

isguiltyofanoffence, andonconviction liable toafinenotexceedingN$2000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingsixmonths,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment.

Unauthorised publications

82. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),anypersonwho-

(a) withoutthewrittenauthorisationoftheCommissioner-General-

(i) takes a photograph, film, or makes a recording, drawing orsketchofacorrectionalfacilityorpartthereof;

(ii) publishesorcausestobepublishedinanymanner,aphotograph,film,recording,drawingorsketchofacorrectionalfacilityorpartthereof;

(iii) takes a photograph, film, or makes a recording, drawing orsketchofanoffenderorgroupofoffenders,whetherinsideoroutsideofacorrectionalfacility;



(iv) publishesorcausestobepublishedinanymanneraphotograph,film,recording,drawingorsketchofanoffenderoroffenders,whetherinsideoroutsideofacorrectionalfacility;

(b) publishesorcausestobepublishedanyfalseinformationconcerningthebehaviourorexperienceinacorrectionalfacilityofanyoffenderorconcerningtheadministrationofanycorrectionalfacility,knowingthesametobefalseorwithouttakingreasonablestepstoverifysuchinformation;or

(c) offersor receivesanygift, remuneration,orotherbenefit toor fromanother person in exchange for the disclosure of information of acorrectionalfacility,offenderorgroupofoffendersforthepurposesofperpetratingacrime,

isguiltyofanoffence,andonconvictionliabletoafinenotexceedingN$8000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears,or tobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment.

(2) TheMinistermaybynoticeintheGazetteexcludefromtheoperationofsubsection(1)(a)(i)anycorrectionalfacilityorpart thereofasmaybespecifiedinsuchnotice.

Assisting offender to escape

83. Anypersonwho-

(a) aids any offender in escaping or attempting to escape from anycorrectional facility, hospital, mental hospital or any other place inwhich suchoffender is held in custodyor atwhich suchoffender isworkingorwhileinthecourseofremovalincustodyfromoneplacetoanother;or

(b) forthepurposeoffacilitatingtheescapeofanyoffender,suppliesoragreesorattempts tosupplyoraids, incitesorencouragesanyotherpersoninsupplyinganoffenderwithanymask,dress,disguiseoranyotherarticle,instrument,matter,orthing;or

(c) conveysorcausestobeconveyedintooroutofanycorrectionalfacility,hospital,mentalhospitaloranyotherplaceinwhichsuchoffenderisheldincustodyoranyplacewhereoffendersmaycometowork,anyletter or token encouraging or inciting any offender to escape or tocontraveneaprovisionofthisAct;or

(d) harboursorconcealsorassistsinharbouringorconcealinganescapedoffender,

isguiltyofanoffence,andonconvictionliabletoafinenotexceedingN$30000ortoimprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingsevenyears,ortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonmentandifsuchpersonisacorrectionalofficer,heorshemay,inadditiontosuchfineorsuchimprisonmentortobothsuchfineandsuchimprisonment,besubjecttodisciplinaryproceedingsintermsofsection50(d)(v).



Unlawful wearing of uniform, insignia or decoration

84. Anypersonwho-

(a) withouttheauthorisationoftheCommissioner-General,wearsorusesa uniform, insignia or decoration reserved for use by correctionalofficers,oranyuniform,insignia,ordecorationsonearlyresemblingthatwhichisreservedforusebycorrectionalofficers;or

(b) falsely represents himself or herself by word or conduct to be acorrectionalofficerorapersonauthorisedtowearauniform,insignia,ordecorationreservedforcorrectionalofficers,


PARTXDISCIPLINEOFOFFENDERS

Minor disciplinary offences by offenders

85. Anyoffenderwho-

(a) disobeysajustifiableorderofanycorrectionalofficerorstaffmemberemployed in theCorrectional Service, or any rule or standing ordermadeorissuedbytheCommissioner-Generalundersection5(3)oranydirective or instruction issuedby the officer in chargeunder section18(2)(c)andapplicabletosuchoffender;

(b) is disrespectful toward any correctional officer or staff memberemployedwithintheCorrectionalServiceorpersonauthorisedtovisitthecorrectionalfacility;

(c) is idle, careless, or negligent at work or without reasonable causerefusestowork;

(d) usesabusive,threatening,insolent,orotherimproperlanguagetowardsanyperson;

(e) displaysindecentconducttowardsanyperson;

(f) withoutthepermissionofacorrectionalofficer,leaveshisorhercell,ward,placeofwork,orotherassignedplace;

(g) malingersormakesrepeatedandgroundlesscomplaints;

(h) quarrelswithanotheroffender;

(i) makesa falseaccusationagainstacorrectionalofficer, staffmemberemployedintheCorrectionalServiceoranotheroffender;



(j) refusestowearclothingissuedtohimorherbythecorrectionalfacilityauthoritiesor exchanges, loses,discards,damages,or alters,withoutthepermissionofacorrectionalofficer,suchclothing;

(k) is,withoutpermission,inareaprohibitedtooffenders; (l) takesanotheroffender’spropertywithouttheconsentofthatoffender;

(m) attemptstocommitanoffencereferredtoinparagraph(e),(f),(i),(j),or(l);or

(n) aidsorabetsthecommissionofanoffencereferredtoinparagraph(a),(b),(c),(e),(f),(g),(h),(i),(j),(k),or(l);

commitsaminordisciplinaryoffence,andmustbedealtwith insuchmanneras theCommissioner-Generalmaydetermine.

Major disciplinary offences by offenders

86. (1) Anyoffenderwho–

(a) fightswith,assaultsorthreatenstoassault,acorrectionalofficer,astaffmemberemployedintheCorrectionalServiceoramemberofpolice;

(b) receivesorhasinhisorherpossessionaprohibitedarticle;

(c) damages,disfigures,defaces,orinanyotherwayinterfereswithanypartof thecorrectional facilityoranyfitting thereoforanypropertybelongingto,orunderthecontrolof,theCorrectionalService;

(d) fightswithanotheroffender;

(e) does an act likely to create unnecessary alarm among correctionalofficers, staff members employed in the Correctional Service oroffenders;

(f) inanywaydisturbs thepeaceoroffendsagainst thegoodorderanddisciplineofoffendersorthecorrectionalfacility;

(g) mutiniesorincitesanyotheroffendertomutiny;

(h) assaultsorthreatenstoassaultanotherperson;

(i) createsorparticipatesinadisturbanceoranyactivitythatislikelytojeopardizethesecurityorgoodorderofthecorrectionalfacility;

(j) escapes from lawful custody or conspires with another person toprocuretheescapeofanoffenderorassistsanotheroffendertoescapefromlawfulcustody;

(k) hasinhisorherpossessionaninstrumentorotherthingintendedtobeusedtoprocurehisorherescapeorthatofanotheroffenderfromlawfulcustody;



(l) intermsoftheCombatingofRapeAct,2000(ActNo.8of2000),rapesanotheroffender;

(m) commitsthesameminordisciplinaryoffenceforthethirdtime;

(n) attemptstocommitanoffencereferredtoinparagraphs(a)to(l);or

(o) aidsorabetsthecommissionofanoffencereferredtoinparagraphs(a)to(l),

isguiltyofamajordisciplinaryoffence,andonconvictionliabletoanyofthesanctionssetoutinsection89or91.

(2) Forthepurposesofthissection“mutiny”meansmutinyasdefinedinsection47(2).

Isolation of offender

87. Theofficerinchargeoracorrectionalofficerdulyauthorisedtheretobytheofficerinchargemayorderanoffendersuspectedofcommittingadisciplinaryoffencetobekeptapartfromotheroffenders,pendingthehearinganddeterminationofthecharge,iftheofficerinchargeorsuchcorrectionalofficerdulyauthorisedtheretobelievesonreasonablegrounds that thecontinuedcontactof theoffenderwithotheroffenders–

(a) willinterferewithaninvestigationontheoffence;or

(b) will jeopardize the offender’s own safety or the safety of any otherperson.

Disciplinary inquiry for, or trial of, offenders

88. (1) Achargeagainstanoffenderforamajordisciplinaryoffencemaybeheardanddeterminedby-

(a) apresidingofficeratadisciplinaryinquirywithinacorrectionalfacility;or

(b) amagistratescourtwhere,owingto thegravityof theoffenceorforothersufficientcause,theofficerinchargedecidestotransferthematterfortrialtosuchcourt.

(2) Prior to commencing a disciplinary inquiry under this section, theofficerpresidingatsuchdisciplinaryinquirymustensure that theoffender, inwhoseconductheorsheistoinquire,isgivenatleastsevendayswrittennoticeofsuchinquiry,andthatnoticemustsetoutthenatureandparticularsofthechargeagainstsuchoffenderandstatethatsuchoffenderissummonedtoappearbeforethepresidingofficeratthedate,timeandplacespecifiedthereintoanswertothecharge.

(3) Anoffender receivinganoticeunder subsection (2)may,before thedate of the inquiry as set out in that notice, submit awritten reply to the presidingofficeradmittingthecommissionofthedisciplinaryoffenceinquestion,andthereafterthe presiding officermay, after having heard evidence inmitigation, impose one or



moreofthesanctionsreferredtoinsection89uponthatoffenderwithoutholdingafulldisciplinaryinquiryintermsofsubsection(1)(a)ofthissection.

(4) Theprovisionsofsection54(4),(6)and(7)applywiththenecessarychangestoadisciplinaryinquiryundersubsection(1)(a)ofthissection.

Sanctions for major disciplinary offences to be imposed at disciplinary inquiry

89. (1) Subject to subsection (2), where an offender admits undersection88(3)tohavecommittedthemajordisciplinaryoffenceinquestionorwhereattheconclusionofadisciplinaryinquiryundersection88(1)(a)thepresidingofficerfindstheoffenderguiltyofamajordisciplinaryoffenceheorshemay,afterhavingheardevidenceinmitigation,imposeanyoneormoreofthefollowingsanctionsuponsuchoffender,namely-

(a) verbalwarning;

(b) writtenwarning;

(c) removalfromanyearningsscheme;

(d) forfeitureofgratuitiesreferredtoinsection97,butnotexceedingonehalfoftheamountearned;

(e) increaseinsecuritylevel;

(f) forfeitureofoneormoreprivilegesforadeterminedperiod;

(g) confinementinasinglecellforaperiodnotexceeding25days.

(2) Notwithstandingsubsection(1),anoffenderwhoisservinganearliersentenceofperiodic imprisonment andwho is foundguilty at adisciplinary inquiryintermsofsection88(1)(a)ofadisciplinaryoffence,isliabletoasanctionoffurtherperiodicimprisonmentofnotlessthantwelvehoursandnotmorethanthirty-sixhours,whichsentencecommencesonthedateofexpiryofthatearliersentence.

(3) Asanctionimposedundersubsection(1)isnoteffected–

(a) untilthetimeprescribedforlodgementofanappealundersection90hasexpired,andtheoffenderconcernedhasnotlodgedanappeal;or

(b) whereanappealhasbeenlodgedunderthatsection,untiltheappealhasbeendismissedorwithdrawn.

(4) Wherethepresidingofficerimposesasanctionagainstanoffenderforamajordisciplinaryoffence,heorshemayorderthatsuchsanctionorpartthereofbesuspendedforaperiodnotexceeding24months,duringwhichperiod– (a) if the offender commits no further major disciplinary offence, such

sanctionorpartthereoflapsesattheendofsuchperiod;or

(b) if the offender commits any other major disciplinary offence, thesuspendedsanctionorpartthereofisimmediatelyputintoeffect.



(5) For the purposes of this section “earnings scheme”means earningsschemeasmaybeprescribed.

Appeals by offenders

90. (1) Any offender who after the conclusion of the disciplinaryinquiryundersection88and89,isaggrievedbythefindingagainsthimorherorbythe sanction imposed upon himor her,may,within seven days from the datewhenthedisciplinaryinquirywasconducted,appealinwritingtotheCommissioner-Generalor his or her delegate, as the Commissioner-General may generally or specificallydetermine,against–

(a) thefindingbythepresidingofficer;or

(b) thesanctioninquestion.

(2) TheCommissioner-Generalorhisorherdelegatemay, in respectofthe appeal lodged in terms of subsection (1), on consideration of the report on thedisciplinaryinquiryinquestion,tobesubmittedtotheCommissioner-Generalorhisorherdelegatebythepresidingofficer,andthegroundsofappeal–

(a) confirmoralterthesanctionimposedupontheoffender;

(b) setasidetheconvictionandorderfurtherinvestigation;or

(c) takeanyothermeasurethatheorshemayconsiderexpedient.

Sanctions for major disciplinary offences to be imposed at trial

91. (1) Where a trial for a major disciplinary offence is conductedundersection88(1)(b)andtheoffenderisfoundguiltyoftheoffence,heorsheisliableto–

(a) imprisonmentforaperiodnotexceedingtwoyears;

(b) in addition or alternatively to any period of imprisonment imposedunderparagraph(a),anyoneormoreofthesanctionssetoutinsection89(1).

(2) Asentenceofimprisonmentimposedundersubsection(1)commencesonthedateofexpiryofanyothersentenceofimprisonmentwhichtheoffenderconcernedisliabletoserveonthedateofcommissionofthedisciplinaryoffenceinquestion.

Provisions relating to inmate’s confinement in single cell

92. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),wheremorethanonesanctionofaperiodofconfinementinasinglecellhavebeenimposedonaninmateforadisciplinaryoffence,theservingofsuchperiodsofconfinementmustbeseparatedbyaperiodofnotlessthantheperiodofthelongerofsuchperiodsimposed.

(2) Noperiodofasentenceof imprisonmentis,onexpirythereof, tobeextendedtocompleteasanctionofconfinementinasinglecell,unlesssuchsanctionhasbeenimposedbyacourtundersection91(1)(b).



Disciplinary proceedings against offender not to prejudice civil or criminal liability

93. (1) The institution of a disciplinary inquiry against an offenderunder section 88(1)(a) does not prejudice the right of any person to institute civilproceedings or the Prosecutor General to institute criminal proceedings against theoffenderbasedonthesamefacts.

(2) Nothing in this section prevents the officer in charge or a seniorcorrectionalofficerauthorisedbytheCommissioner-Generaltodoso,fromconductingadisciplinaryinquiryandimposingapenaltyuponanoffenderforadisciplinaryoffencearisingfromthesamefacts.

(3) Any information obtained or evidence directly or indirectly derivedfrom a questioning in a disciplinary inquiry may, subject to the law of evidenceapplicabletoacourtoflaw,beadmissibleasevidenceagainstthepersonconcernedincriminalorcivilproceedingsinacourtoflaw.

PARTXIREHABILITATIONPROGRAMMESFOROFFENDERS

Purpose of rehabilitation programmes 94. The Correctional Service must provide a range of rehabilitationprogrammesdesignedtoaddresstheneedsofoffendersandcontributetotheirsuccessfulreintegrationintosociety.

Work programmes and requirement to work

95. (1) Everyoffenderdetainedinacorrectionalfacilitypursuanttoasentenceofimprisonmentmust,subjecttotheprovisionsofthisAct,thedirectivesoftheCommissioner-Generalandanyrelevantorderofthecourt-

(a) asfarasispracticable,beengagedinsuchworkprogrammesaswillpromoteandnurturethetrainingandindustrialskillsofsuchoffendertoequiphimorhertomanagehisorherlifeinaproductivemannerafterrelease;and

(b) performsuchtasksonpublicworksandotherdutiesasmaybeassignedtohimorherbyacorrectionalofficer.

(2) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsubsection(1), themedicalofficermay, on medical grounds, exempt an offender from work or recommend that suchoffenderperformlightduties.

Agreements for employment and training of offenders

96. (1) Subject to section 95(1)(a), the Commissioner-General mayenterintoacontractwithanyinstitution,person,orbodyofpersonsfortheemploymentandtrainingofoffenderswhoareunderasentenceofimprisonment,uponsuchtermsandsuchconditionsasmaybedetermined,generallyorspecifically,bytheCommissioner-General.



(2) Asfarasispracticable,allMinistriesandAgenciessetoutinSchedules2 and 3 of the Public ServiceAct, 1995 (ActNo. 13 of 1995)must purchase theirrequired articles and supplies from amongst such as the Correctional Service mayproduceormanufacture.

(3) TheCommissioner-Generalmayauthorisespecificservicesnecessaryorexpedientinthepublicinterestorforacharitablepurposetoberenderedbyoffenders,gratuitously.

Gratuities for offenders

97. (1) Forthepurposeof–

(a) encouraging offenders to participate in rehabilitation programmesofferedbytheCorrectionalService;or

(b) providingfinancialassistancetooffenderstofacilitatetheirreintegrationintosociety,

theCommissioner-Generalmay, subject to subsection (2), authorise the payment ofgratuitiestooffenders.

(2) The gratuity referred to in subsection (1)must be paid to offendersaccordingtosuchconditionsandsuchratesastheCommissioner-Generalmay,fromtimetotime,determine.

PARTXIIEXECUTIONOFSENTENCES

Admission register

98. Theofficerinchargemustmaintain,inrespectofhisorhercorrectionalfacility–

(a) an admission register, inwhich he or shemust enter or cause to beentered,arecordof–

(i) thenameandageofeachoffenderservingasentenceinthatcorrectionalfacility;

(ii) thenatureoftheoffenceinrespectofwhichsuchoffenderwasconvictedandsentenced;

(iii) thesentenceimposedinrespectofeachoffence;and

(iv) anyotherprescribedmatter;and

(b) suchotherregistersasmaybeprescribed,

and any such register is open for inspection by the Commissioner-General, thecorrectionalofficerorstaffmemberreferredtoinsection19andanyvisitingjusticetothatcorrectionalfacilityoranyotherpersonasmaybeauthorisedtheretobylaworbytheCommissioner-General.



Commencement, computation and expiry of sentence

99. (1) Subjecttosubsection(2),(3)and(4),asentenceofimprisonmentuponaconvictiontakeseffectfromthedayonwhichthatsentenceispassed,unlessitissuspendedundertheprovisionsofanylaworunlesstheoffenderisreleasedonbailpendingthedeterminationofanappeal,inwhichcasethesentencetakeseffectfromthedayonwhichsuchoffendersurrendershimselforherself,oristakenintocustody,toservesuchsentence.

(2) Where a person sentenced to life imprisonment or who has beendeclared a habitual criminal is sentenced to any further termof imprisonment, suchfurther termof imprisonment is servedconcurrentlywith theearlier sentenceof lifeimprisonmentordeclarationasahabitualcriminal,asthecasemaybe.

(3) Whereapersonreceivesmorethanonesentenceofimprisonmentorreceivesadditionalsentenceswhileservingatermofimprisonment,eachsuchsentencemustbeservedtheoneaftertheexpiration,settingasideorremissionoftheother,unlessthecourtspecificallydirectsotherwiseorunlessthecourtdirectsthatsuchsentencesmustrunconcurrently.

(4) Thedateofexpiryofanysentenceofimprisonmentbeingservedbyanoffenderwho–

(a) escapesfromlawfulcustodymust,uponhisorherrecapture;or

(b) iserroneouslyreleasedmust,subjecttotheprovisionsofsection100(3),uponhisorherre-arrest

bepostponedforaperiodequaltotheperiodbywhichsuchsentencewasinterruptedbyreasonofsuchescapeorerroneousrelease.

Re-arrest of offender released erroneously

100. (1) Whereitcomestotheknowledgeoftheofficerinchargethatanoffenderhasbeen released froma correctional facility erroneously, theofficer inchargeoracorrectionalofficerauthorisedthereto,mustissueawarrantforthere-arrestofsuchoffender,whichwarrantmaybeexecutedbyanypeaceofficerasdefined insection1oftheCriminalProcedureAct,1977(ActNo.51of1977),andwhichwarrantserves as authority for the detentionof suchoffender in a correctional facility for aperiod,subjecttosubsection(2),notexceeding48hours,andtheofficerinchargemustwithinthatperiodheartheoffenderandanyevidenceinthisregard.

(2) During the period of such offender’s detention as contemplated insubsection(1),theofficerinchargemustsubmitallrelevantdocuments,includingthosedocumentssubmittedbytheoffender,ifany,toaJudgeinchambers:Providedthatiftheperiodof48hoursreferredtoinsubsection(1)expiresonadayonwhichnosuchJudgeisavailable,suchperiodisconsideredtoexpireat16:00hoursonthenextsucceedingdayonwhichsuchJudgeisavailable.

(3) IftheJudgereferredtoinsubsection(2)findsthatsuchoffenderwaserroneouslyreleased,suchJudgemayordertheoffendertoservetheunexpiredportionofhisorhersentence.



Imprisonment on default of payment of fine

101. (1) Anyimprisonmentwhichisimposedbyanycourtindefaultofpaymentofafineterminatespriortotheexpirationthereofwheneverthatfineispaidorislawfullyleviedundertheprocessofanylawauthorisingthelevyofthefine.

(2) If any part of the fine is paid or levied before the expiry of anyimprisonmentreferredtoinsubsection(1),theperiodofimprisonmentmustbereducedbysuchnumberofdaysbearingasnearlyaspossiblethesameproportiontotheperiodofimprisonmentasthesumsopaidorleviedbearstotheamountofthefine.

(3) Unless otherwise authorised, either generally or specifically, by theofficerincharge,paymentofanysumunderthissectionmayonlybeacceptedduringofficehours.

Periodic imprisonment

102. Unlessthecourtspecificallydirectsotherwise,apersonwhohasundertheprovisionsofanylawbeensentencedtoperiodicimprisonmentmustbeperiodicallydetainedinacorrectionalfacilityintheprescribedmanner.

Confinement and restraint of offender

103. (1) Wheretheofficerinchargeconsidersitnecessary–

(a) tosecureorrestrainanoffenderwhohas–

(i) displayedorthreatenedviolence;

(ii) beenrecapturedafterescapefromcustodyorinrespectofwhomthereisgoodreasontobelievethatheorsheiscontemplatingtoescapefromcustody;or

(iii) beenrecommendedonmedicalgroundsforconfinementinaseparatecellbyamedicalofficer;

(b) forthesafecustodyofanoffender,thatsuchoffenderbeconfined;or

(c) foranyothersecurityreason,

such officer in charge may order that such offender be confined, with or withoutmechanicalrestraint,inaseparatecellandintheprescribedmanner,forsuchperiodnotexceeding30daysassuchofficerinchargeconsidersnecessaryinthecircumstances.

(2) Ifitisconsiderednecessarytocontinuewiththeconfinementreferredtoinsubsection(1)foraperiodexceeding30days,theofficerinchargemustreporttotheCommissioner-Generalstatingthefactsandmakinghisorherrecommendations.

(3) Upon the receipt of the report and recommendation referred to insubsection (2), theCommissioner-Generalmay order the extension of the period ofconfinement,withorwithoutmechanicalrestraint, foranadditional60days,but thetotal period of such confinement may not exceed 90 days, unless with the explicitconsentoftheMinister.



PARTXIIIRELEASEOFOFFENDERS

Establishment of National Release Board

104. (1) There is hereby established a release board to be known astheNationalReleaseBoardtoperformthepowers,dutiesandfunctionsconferredorimposeduponsuchBoardbyorunderthisAct. (2) (a) TheNationalReleaseBoardconsistsof–

(i) theChairperson;

(ii) suchnumberofVice-Chairpersons;and

(iii) suchnumberofmembers,whomayincludepersonswhoarenotmembersoftheservicesorstaffmembers,

astheCommissioner-Generalmayappoint.

(b) TheCommissioner-GeneralmustassigneachmemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardtoasectionofthatBoardasspecifiedintheinstrumentofappointment.

(3) AmemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardappointedundersubsection(2)(a)(iii)andwhoisnotacorrectionalofficer–

(a) holdsofficeforaperiodoffiveyearsandattheexpirationofhisorherperiodofofficeasmemberofsuchBoardiseligibleforre-appointmentassuchamember;

(b) andnotbeingastaffmemberormemberoftheservices,ispaidsuchremuneration as the Commissioner-General, with consultation withTreasury,maydetermine;

(c) mayvacatehisorherofficeasamemberofsuchBoardbygivingonemonth’swrittennoticeofhisorherresignationtotheCommissioner-General.

(4) The Commissioner-General may, after affording a member oftheNational ReleaseBoard appointed under subsection (2)(a)(iii) andwho is not acorrectionalofficeranopportunitytobeheard,removesuchmemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardfromhisorheroffice,iftheCommissioner-Generalisoftheopinionthattherearesufficientreasonsfordoingso.

(5) SuchotherstaffasarenecessarytoenabletheNationalReleaseBoardtoperformitsfunctionsanddutiesunderthisActmaybeemployedinaccordancewiththisActorthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995).

Functions of National Release Board

105. (1) Subjecttosection112(10),theNationalReleaseBoardmust,whenevernecessary,-



(a) makerecommendationstotheCommissioner-Generalasto-

(i) thereleaseonfullparoleorprobationofanoffenderservingsentenceofimprisonmentoffiveyearsormoreforanyofthescheduledcrimesoroffences;

(ii) subject to section 116 or 117, the release on full parole orprobation of an offender who has been declared a habitualcriminalorsentencedtolifeimprisonment;

(iii) the conditions upon which the offenders referred to insubparagraph (i) and (ii) may be released on full parole orprobation;and

(iv) the names of offenders to be recommended for pardon orreprieveundersection108;

(b) authorise,undersection110,thereleaseofanoffenderondayparole;

(c) authorise,undersection112(2)orundertheprovisotosection114(1)(b), the release on full parole or probation of an offender serving asentenceofimprisonment;or

(d) performsuchotherdutiesandfunctionsastheCommissioner-Generalmayfromtimetotimeassigntoit.

(2) ThemannerandprocedurefortheNationalReleaseBoardtosubmittherecommendationstotheCommissioner-GeneralisasdeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

Principles that guide National Release Board 106. (1) The principles that guide the National Release Board infulfillingitsfunctionsreferredtoinsubsection(1)ofsection105are-

(a) thattheprotectionofthesocietyistheparamountconsiderationinthedeterminationofanycase;

(b) that the National Release Board conducts proper and thorough riskassessment of each offender, taking into consideration all availableinformation relevant in each case, including the stated reasons andrecommendationsofthesentencingcourt,otherinformationfromthetrialorsentencingprocess, informationandassessmentsprovidedbycorrectionalauthoritiesandinformationobtainedfromvictimsandtheoffender;

(c) thattheNationalReleaseBoardenhancesitseffectivenessandopennessthrough the timely exchange of relevant information with othercomponentsofthecriminaljusticesystemandthroughcommunicationof itspoliciesandprogrammes tooffenders,victimsand thegeneralpublic;



(d) thattheNationalReleaseBoardmakestheleastrestrictivedeterminationconsistentwiththeprotectionofsociety;

(e) that theNationalReleaseBoardadoptsand isguidedbyappropriatepoliciesandthatitsmembersareprovidedwiththenecessarytrainingtoimplementsuchpolicies;

(f) that offenders are provided with relevant information, reasons for

decisionsandaccesstothereviewofdecisionsinordertoensureafairandunderstandablereleaseprocess.

(2) TheNationalReleaseBoardmayrecommendorauthorise,asthecasemaybe,thereleaseondayparole,fullparoleorprobationorthepardonorreprieveofanoffenderif,initsopinion-

(a) theoffenderwillnot,byre-offending,presentanunduerisktosocietybeforetheexpirationofthesentencetheoffenderisserving;and

(b) the releaseof theoffenderwill contribute to the reintegrationof theoffenderintosocietyasalawabidingcitizen.

Remission of sentence

107. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (4), an offender sentenced toatermortermsofimprisonmentmay,byreasonofmeritoriousconductandindustry,duringsuchperiodofimprisonmentearnremissionofpartofsuchterm,equivalenttoonethirdofthetotalofthetermofimprisonmentinquestion.

(2) Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoanoffenderwho-

(a) hasbeendeclaredbyacompetentcourtasahabitualcriminal;

(b) hasbeensentencedtolifeimprisonment;or

(c) afterthecommencementofthisAct,hasbeensentencedtoserveatermofimprisonmentforcommitting,afterthatcommencement,anyofthescheduledcrimesoroffences,butthisparagraphdoesnotapplytoanyjuvenileoffender.

(3) ThemannerandprocedureforanoffendertoearnremissionofsentenceisdeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

(4) Anoffenderdoesnotearnanyremissionundersubsection(1)inrespectofthetermofimprisonmentduringwhichheorshe–

(a) isatlargefollowinghisorherescapefromlawfulcustody;

(b) ishospitalisedasaresultofhisorherownnegligence;or

(c) isundergoingconfinementinasinglecellasasanctionimposedundersection89or91.



(5) Anoffenderwhoearnstheonethirdremissionreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustbereleasedfromthecorrectionalfacilityandsuchoffendercontinues,whileoutside the correctional facility, to serve his or her term of imprisonment until itsexpiration on such conditions of release as the Commissioner-General may, on therecommendationoftheofficerincharge,decide,andsuchoffendermustremainundersupervisionasdeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

(6) Whenanoffenderwhoisreleasedundersubsection(5)contravenesanyconditionofreleaseorwhentheCommissioner-Generalissatisfiedthatitisnecessaryandreasonabletosuspendtheoffender’sreleaseinordertopreventthecontraventionofanyconditionthereofortoprotectsociety,theCommissioner-Generalmay,bywarrant,-

(a) suspendtheoffender’srelease;

(b) ordertheoffender’sarrest,whichwarrantcanbeexecutedbyanypeaceofficerasdefinedinsection1oftheCriminalProcedureAct,1977(ActNo.51of1977);and

(c) order theoffender’s re-admission intoacorrectional facility toservetheunexpiredportionofsentenceoruntiltheCommissioner-Generalcancelsthesuspension.

(7) Whereanoffenderwhoisreleasedundersubsection(5)isre-admittedintoacorrectionalfacilityasaresultofadditionalsentenceforcommittinganoffenceundertheprovisionsofanylaw,hisorherreleaseisconsideredrevokedfromthedayonwhichheorsheisre-admittedintoacorrectionalfacilityasaresultoftheadditionalsentence:Providedthat,thissubsectiondoesnotapplywheretheadditionalsentenceisorderedtorunconcurrentwith,andisinrespectofanoffencecommittedbeforethecommencementof,thesentencetowhichthereleaseundersubsection(5)applies.

(8) Forthepurposeofthissection,remissionofsentencemeansthepartofthetermofimprisonmentwhich,whenearnedundersubsection(1),theoffenderwillnotserveinacorrectionalfacility,butwillserveasprovidedforundersubsection(5).

Pardon or reprieve by President

108. (1) Without derogating from the generality of the powers ofthePresident topardonorreprieveoffendersunderArticle32(3)(d)of theNamibianConstitution,theMinistermay,ontherecommendationbytheNationalReleaseBoardandtheCommissioner-General,recommendtothePresidentthenames,orcategories,ofoffenderstobepardonedorreprievedwheretheMinisterissatisfiedthat-

(a) such offenders have displayed meritorious conduct, self discipline,responsibility and industry during the term of imprisonment so farserved;

(b) such offenders will not, by re-offending, present an undue risk tosocietyupontheirreleasefollowingthepardonorreprieve;and

(c) the release of the offenders following the pardon or reprieve willcontribute to the reintegration of the offenders into society as lawabidingcitizens.



(2) Themannerandprocedureofassessingandidentifyingtheoffenderstoberecommendedforpardonorreprieveisasprescribed.

(3) TheMinistermust givenotice in theGazetteof thenamesof everyoffenderpardonedorreprievedbythePresident.

Release on medical grounds

109. The Minister may, on the recommendation of the medical officerandafterconsultationwiththeCommissioner-General,authorisethereleasefromthecorrectionalfacilityofanoffenderservinganysentenceinacorrectionalfacilityand–

(a) whoissufferingfromadangerous,infectiousorcontagiousdisease;or

(b) whosecontinuedincarcerationisdetrimentaltohisorherhealthonthegroundsofhisorherphysicalcondition,

eitherunconditionallyoronsuchconditionsastoparoleorprobationorastospecialtreatmentastheMinistermaydetermine.

Release of offender on day parole

110. (1) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofsection112,butsubjecttosubsections(3)and(4),theNationalReleaseBoardmayauthorisethereleaseondayparoleofaconvictedoffenderwhohasservedonethirdofthetermofhisorhersentenceofimprisonment,whereintheopinionoftheNationalReleaseBoard-

(a) such offender has displayed meritorious conduct, self discipline,responsibilityandindustryduringsuchtermserved;

(b) suchoffenderwillnot,byre-offending,presentanunduerisktosocietywhenondayparole;and

(c) the releaseof theoffenderwill contribute to the reintegrationof theoffenderintosocietyasalawabidingcitizen.

(2) ThereleaseondayparoleisonsuchconditionsastheNationalReleaseBoardmaydetermine.

(3) Thecircumstancesandmannerinwhichanoffendercanapplyfordayparole,andthemonitoringandsupervisionofanoffenderreleasedondayparoleisasdeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

(4) Subsection(1)doesnotapplytoanoffenderwhohasbeensentencedascontemplated insection107(2)(a)or (b),orwhohasbeensentenced toa termofimprisonmentforanyofthescheduledcrimesoroffencesorwhohasbeenclassifiedasamaximumsecurityoffender,butthissubsectiondoesnotapplytojuvenileoffenders.

(5) WhenanoffendercontravenesaconditionofdayparoleorwhentheNationalReleaseBoardissatisfiedthatitisnecessaryandreasonabletosuspendtheoffender’sreleaseondayparoleinordertopreventacontraventionofanyconditionthereof,ortoprotectthesociety,theNationalReleaseBoardmustreportthemattertotheCommissioner-General.



(6) TheCommissioner-General,onconsiderationofareportsubmittedbytheNationalReleaseBoardundersubsection(5),maysuspendtheoffender’sreleaseondayparoleforaperiodheorshemaydetermine.

Temporary absence of offender

111. (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), the officer in chargemayauthorisethetemporaryabsenceofanoffender,whetherescortedorunescorted,where,inhisorheropinion–

(a) theoffenderwillnot,byre-offending,presentanunduerisktosocietyduringtheauthorisedabsence;

(b) itisdesirablefortheoffendertobeabsentfromthecorrectionalfacilityfor medical, administrative, community service, family contact,personal development for rehabilitative purposes or compassionatereasons;

(c) the offender’s behaviour while under sentence does not precludeauthorisingtheabsence;and

(d) astructuredplanfortheabsencehasbeenprepared.

(2) Anoffenderwho-

(a) hasbeensentencedascontemplatedinsection107(2)(a)or(b),orwhohasbeensentencedtoatermofimprisonmentforanyofthescheduledcrimesoroffences;

(b) accordingtothesecurityclassificationorre-classificationundersection64(2),stillpresentsunduerisktosocietyifreleased;or

(c) isaforeignnational

isnoteligibleforunescortedtemporaryabsence.

(3) The temporary absence authorisedunder subsection (1) appliesonlywithintheboundariesofNamibiaandis,wheneverpracticable,ontheexpenseoftheState.

(4) The period of temporary absence, the circumstances andmanner inwhich,andthetimeatwhich,anapplicationfortemporaryabsencecanbemadeisasdeterminedbytheCommissioner-General.

(5) The officer in chargemay cancel the authorised temporary absence,eitherbeforeorafteritscommencement-

(a) where the cancellation is considered necessary and reasonable topreventcontraventionofaconditionof theabsenceorwheresuchacontraventionhasoccurred;

(b) where the grounds for authorising the absence have changed or nolongerexist;or



(c) afterareviewoftheoffender’scase,basedoninformationthatcouldnotreasonablyhavebeenprovidedwhentheabsencewasauthorised.

(6) Whereunescortedtemporaryabsenceiscancelledundersubsection(5),theoffendermustbereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservinghisorhersentence.

Release on full parole or probation of offenders serving terms of imprisonment

112. (1) Whereaconvictedoffenderwhohasbeensentencedtoatermofimprisonmenthasservedinacorrectionalfacilityhalfofsuchtermandtheofficerinchargeissatisfiedthat-

(a) such offender has displayed meritorious conduct, self discipline,responsibilityandindustryduringtheperiodserved;

(b) suchoffenderwillnot,byre-offending,presentanunduerisktosocietybeforetheexpirationofthesentenceheorsheisserving;and

(c) the releaseof theoffenderwill contribute to the reintegrationof theoffenderintosocietyasalawabidingcitizen,

thatofficerinchargemustsubmitorcausetobesubmittedareportinrespectofsuchoffender to the National Release Board, in which he or she recommends that suchoffender be released on full parole or probation and the conditions relating to suchreleaseasheorshemayconsidernecessary.

(2) After considering the report and recommendation referred to insubsection(1)andconductingahearing, theNationalReleaseBoardmay,subject totheprovisionsofsections114,115,116and117,authorisethereleaseonfullparoleorprobationoftheoffenderconcerneduponsuchconditionsasitmaydetermineandspecifyorcausetobespecifiedinthewarrantofreleaseinquestion.

(3) If,aftertheapprovaloftheoffender’sreleaseonfullparoleorprobation,butbeforetheoffender’srelease,itcomestotheknowledgeoftheofficerinchargeofinformation that indicate the probability of the offender to present a risk to society,whichinformationwasnotavailableduringtheconsiderationoftheoffender’srelease,theofficer in chargemustnot release suchoffenderbutmust submit a report to theNationalReleaseBoardonsuchinformation.

(4) The National Release Board may, after consideration of the reportreferred to in subsection (3), cancel suchoffender’s authorisation for releaseon fullparoleorprobationandinformtheofficerinchargeofitsdecision.

(5) (a) Areleaseofanoffenderonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectionextendsfortheperiodbetweenthedateofsuchreleaseandtheexpirationofthetermofimprisonmentinquestion.

(b) Themonitoringandsupervisionofanoffenderreferredtoinparagraph(a)areasprescribed.

(6) (a) Where an offender has been released on full parole orprobationintermsofsubsection(2),theNationalReleaseBoardmay



at any time cancel or amend any condition of such offender’s fullparoleorprobation,oraddnewconditionsifitisintheinterestofsuchoffender’streatment,rehabilitation,orreintegrationintothesocietyorintheinterestofsociety.

(b) Beforeactingintermsofparagraph(a)theNationalReleaseBoardmustmake thereasonsfor theproposedactionknownto theoffenderandmustaffordsuchoffenderanopportunitytobeheardinregardtheretobyamemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardorsuchcorrectionalofficerastheChairpersonoftheNationalReleaseBoardmaydetermine.

(7) WhereanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthisActcompletestheperiodthereofwithoutcontraveninganyoftheconditionsofrelease,heorsheisconsideredtohavedulyservedhisorherfulltermofimprisonmentandmuststanddischargedinrespectofthatsentence.

(8) (a) Where it comes to the knowledge of the National ReleaseBoardthatanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectionorsection114wasreleasederroneously,orhas,duringtheperiodoffullparoleorprobation,contravenedorfailedtoobserveanyof theconditionsof release, theNationalReleaseBoardmust reportsucherroneousreleaseorcontraventiontotheCommissioner-General.

(b) TheCommissioner-General,uponbeing informedasprovided for inparagraph(a),mayissueawarrantforthearrestofthatoffender,whichwarrantmay be executed by any peace officer as defined in section1 of the Criminal ProcedureAct, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977), andwhichwarrantservesasauthorityfortheoffendertobedetainedinacorrectionalfacilityuntilamemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardhasheardtheoffenderandhashadsufficientopportunitytohearevidenceinthisregard.

(c) If, after ascertaining all the relevant facts, the National ReleaseBoard is still satisfied that the offenderwas released erroneously orhas contravened a condition of his or her full parole or probation,theNational Release Boardmust recommend to the Commissioner-Generalthatsuchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobationbewithdrawn.

(9) The Commissioner-General may, after consideration of the reportreferredtoinsubsection(8)(c),orderthatsuchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobation–

(a) in case of erroneous release, bewithdrawn and that the offender bereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservingtheunexpiredtermofhisorhersentenceofimprisonment;

(b) in caseof contraventionof conditions, bewithdrawneitherpartiallyorcompletely,andthattheoffenderbereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservingtheunexpiredportionofhisorhersentenceof imprisonment, calculated from the date to be determined by theCommissioner-General,consideringthecontravenedconditions.



(10) Notwithstandingtheprovisionsofthissection,butsubjecttosections114,115,116and117,anoffenderwhohasbeensentencedascontemplatedinsection107(2)(a)or(b),orwhohasbeensentencedtoatermofimprisonmentforanyofthescheduledcrimesoroffencesisnoteligibleforreleaseonparoleorprobationunderthissection,butthissubsectiondoesnotapplytojuvenileoffenders.

Appeals by offenders

113. (1) AnoffenderwhoisaggrievedbythedecisionoftheNationalReleaseBoard,theCommissioner-GeneralortheMinisterregardinghisorherreleaseonfullparoleorprobationmayappealagainstsuchdecision–

(a) in case of the decision of the National Release Board, to theCommissioner-General;

(b) incaseofthedecisionoftheCommissioner-General,totheMinister;

(c) incaseofthedecisionoftheMinister,tothePresident;

on the grounds that, the National Release Board, the Commissioner-General or theMinister,asthecasemaybe–

(aa) madeanerroroflaw;

(bb) breachedorfailedtoapplytheprescribedguidelines;or

(cc) basedthedecisiononerroneousorincompleteinformation.

(2) The Commissioner-General, the Minister or the President may, inrespectoftheappeallodgedintermsofsubsection(1),onconsiderationofthedecisionappealedfromandthegroundsofappeal–

(a) confirmthedecision;

(b) confirm the decision but order a further hearing of the case by theNational Release Board on a date earlier than the date otherwiseprovidedfor,forthenexthearing;

(c) order a newhearing of the case by theNationalReleaseBoard andorderthecontinuationofthedecisionpendingthehearing;or

(d) reverse,cancelorvarythedecision.

(3) TheCommissioner-General,theMinisterorthePresident,asthecasemaybe,maynotmakeadecisionundersubsection(2) that results in the immediatereleaseoftheoffender,unlesstheCommissioner-General,theMinisterorthePresidentissatisfiedthat–

(a) the decision appealed from cannot reasonably be supported in law,undertheprescribedguidelines,oronthebasisofinformationavailabletotheNationalReleaseBoardinitshearingofthecase;and

(b) adelayinreleasingtheoffenderwouldbeunfair.



(4) The timewithin which, and themanner in which a decision of theNationalReleaseBoard,theCommissioner-GeneralortheMinistermaybeappealedisasprescribed.

(5) TheCommissioner-General,theMinisterorthePresidentmayrefusetoconsideranappealwhere,intheopinionoftheCommissioner-General,theMinisterorthePresident,asthecasemaybe,–

(a) theappealisfrivolousorvexatious;

(b) the relief sought is beyond the jurisdiction of the National ReleaseBoard,theCommissioner-GeneralortheMinister,asthecasemaybe;

(c) theappealisbasedoninformationoronanewreleaseplanthatwasnotbeforetheNationalReleaseBoard,Commissioner-GeneralortheMinisterwhenthedecisionbeingappealedwasmade;or

(d) at the time the notice of appeal is received by the Commissioner-General,theMinisterorthePresident,asthecasemaybe,theoffenderhas 90 days or less to serve in a correctional facility before beingreleased.

(6) AdecisionofthePresident,intermsofthissectionorsection117,maynotbeappealedagainst.

Release on full parole or probation of offenders serving imprisonment of less than twenty years for scheduled crimes or offences

114. (1) Notwithstanding theprovisionsof thisAct,nooffenderwhohasbeensentencedtoatermofimprisonmentoflessthantwentyyearsforanyofthescheduledcrimesoroffencesmaybeeligiblefor releaseonfullparoleorprobation,unlessheorshehasserved,inacorrectionalfacility,twothirdsofhisorhertermofimprisonmentandtheNationalReleaseBoard,afterconductingahearing-

(a) issatisfiedthat-

(i) such offender has displayed meritorious conduct, selfdiscipline,responsibilityandindustryduringtheperiodservedincorrectionalfacility;

(ii) suchoffenderwillnot,byre-offending,presentanundueriskto society before the expiration of the sentence he or she isserving;and

(iii) thereleaseoftheoffenderwillcontributetothereintegrationoftheoffenderintosocietyasalawabidingcitizen;and

(b) submitsareport to theCommissioner-General inwhich theNationalReleaseBoard recommendssuchoffender’s releaseonfullparoleorprobation and the conditions relating to such release as it considersnecessary: Provided that, in the case of an offender who has beensentencedtoatermofimprisonmentoflessthanfiveyearsandwhohasservedtwothirdsofsuchterm,theNationalReleaseBoarditself



mayauthorise the releaseonfullparoleorprobationof theoffenderconcerned upon such conditions as itmay determine and specify orcausetobespecifiedinthewarrantofreleaseinquestion.

(2) After considering the report and recommendation referred to insubsection(1)(b),theCommissioner-Generalmayauthorisethereleaseonfullparoleorprobationoftheoffenderconcerneduponsuchconditionsasheorshemayspecifyorcausetobespecifiedinthewarrantofreleaseinquestion.


(4) Uponthereceiptofthereportreferredtoinsubsection(3),theNationalRelease Board must forward it, together with its comments, to the Commissioner-General.

(5) TheCommissioner-Generalmay,afterconsiderationofthereportandanyrecommendationreferredtoinsubsection(4),cancelsuchoffender’sauthorisationfor releaseon fullparoleorprobationand inform theofficer inchargeofhisorherdecision.


(b) Themonitoringandsupervisionofanoffenderreferredtoinparagraph(a)areasprescribed.

(7) (a) Where an offender has been released on full parole orprobationintermsof thissection, theCommissioner-Generalmayatany time,afterconsultationwith theNationalReleaseBoard,canceloramendanyconditionofsuchoffender’sfullparoleorprobationoraddnewconditionsifitisintheinterestofsuchoffender’streatment,rehabilitationorreintegrationintosocietyorintheinterestofsociety.

(b) Before acting in terms of paragraph (a), the Commissioner-Generalmustmakethereasonsfortheproposedactionknowntotheoffenderandmust afford such offender an opportunity to be heard in regardtheretobyamemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardorsuchcorrectionalofficerastheCommissioner-Generalmayauthorisethereto.

(8) Section 112(8) and (9) apply to this section where it comes to theknowledgeof theNationalReleaseBoard thatanoffender releasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectionwasreleasederroneously,orhas,duringtheperiodoffullparoleorprobation,contravenedorfailedtoobserveanyoftheconditionsofhisorherfullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe.



Release on full parole or probation of offenders serving imprisonment of twenty years or more for scheduled crimes or offences 115. (1) Notwithstanding theprovisionsof thisAct,nooffenderwhohasbeensentencedtoatermofimprisonmentoftwentyyearsormoreforanyofthescheduledcrimesoroffencesiseligibleforreleaseonfullparoleorprobation,unlessheorshehasserved,inacorrectionalfacility,twothirdsofhisorhertermofimprisonmentandtheNationalReleaseBoard,afterconductingahearing-


(i) such offender has displayed meritorious conduct, selfdiscipline,responsibilityandindustryduringtheperiodservedincorrectionalfacility;

(ii) suchoffenderwillnot,byre-offending,presentanundueriskto society before the expiration of the sentence he or she isserving;and

(iii) thereleaseoftheoffenderwillcontributetothereintegrationoftheoffenderintosocietyasalawabidingcitizen;and

(b) submitsareport to theCommissioner-General inwhich theNationalReleaseBoard recommendssuchoffender’s releaseonfullparoleorprobation and the conditions relating to such release as it considersnecessary.

(2) Upon the receipt of the report referred to in subsection (1), theCommissioner-General must forward it, together with his or her comments, to theMinister.

(3) After considering the report and recommendation referred to insubsection(2),theMinistermayauthorisethereleaseonfullparoleorprobationoftheoffenderconcerneduponsuchconditionsasheorshemaydetermineandspecifyorcausetobespecifiedinthewarrantofreleaseinquestion.



(6) Uponreceiptofthereportreferredtoinsubsection(5),theCommissioner-Generalmustforwardit,togetherwithhisorhercomments,totheMinister.

(7) The Minister may, after consideration of the report and anyrecommendationreferredtoinsubsection(6),cancelsuchoffender’sauthorisationforreleaseonfullparoleorprobationandinformtheCommissioner-Generalofhisorherdecision.



(8) TheCommissioner-Generalmust inform the officer in charge of thedecisionoftheMinistermadeundersubsection(7).


(b) Themonitoringandsupervisionofanoffenderreferredtoinparagraph(a)isasprescribed.

(10) (a) Whereanoffenderhasbeenreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissection,theMinistermayatanytime,afterconsultationwiththeNationalReleaseBoardandtheCommissioner-General,canceloramendanyconditionofsuchoffender’sfullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe,oraddnewconditionsifitisintheinterestofsuchoffender’s treatment, rehabilitationor reintegration into societyor intheinterestofsociety.

(b) Beforeacting in termsofparagraph (a), theMinistermustmake thereasonsfortheproposedactionknowntotheoffenderandmustaffordsuch offender an opportunity to be heard in regard thereto by anymemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardorsuchcorrectionalofficerastheCommissioner-Generalmayauthorisethereto.

(11) (a) Where it comes to the knowledge of the National ReleaseBoardthatanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectionwasreleasederroneously,orhas,duringtheperiodoffullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe,contravenedorfailedtoobserveanyoftheconditionsofrelease,theNationalReleaseBoardmustreportsucherroneousreleaseorcontraventiontotheCommissioner-General.


(c) If, after ascertaining all the relevant facts, the National ReleaseBoard is still satisfied that the offenderwas released erroneously orhascontravenedaconditionofhisorherfullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe,theNationalReleaseBoardmustrecommendtotheCommissioner-Generalthatsuchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobationbewithdrawn.

(12) If,uponconsiderationof the report referred to insubsection (11)(c),theCommissioner-Generalissatisfiedthattheoffenderwasreleasederroneouslyorhascontravenedaconditionofhisorherfullparoleorprobation,theCommissioner-GeneralmustsubmitareporttotheMinisterrecommendingthat,suchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe,bewithdrawn.



(13) The Minister may, after consideration of the report referred to insubsection(12),orderthatsuchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobation–

(a) in case of erroneous release, bewithdrawn and that the offender bereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservingtheunexpiredportionofhisorhersentenceofimprisonment;

(b) in caseof contraventionof conditions, bewithdrawneitherpartiallyorcompletely,andthattheoffenderbereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservingtheunexpiredportionofhisorhersentenceof imprisonment, calculated from the date to be determined by theCommissioner-General,consideringthecontravenedconditions.

Release of habitual criminals

116. (1) An offender who has been declared a habitual criminal canbereleasedfromthecorrectionalfacilityonlyonsuchconditionsastofullparoleorprobation.

(2) Notwithstandingsubsection(1),nooffenderwhohasbeendeclaredahabitualcriminaliseligibleforreleaseonfullparoleorprobation,unlessheorshehasservedtheprescribedminimumtermofimprisonmentandtheNationalReleaseBoardafterconductingahearing-


(i) thereisareasonableprobabilitythatsuchoffenderwillabstainfrom crime and is likely to lead a useful, responsible andindustriouslife;

(ii) suchoffenderhasdisplayedameritoriousconductduringtheprescribedminimumtermofimprisonmentandnolongerhasatendencytoengageincrime;and

(iii) thereleaseoftheoffenderwillcontributetothereintegrationoftheoffenderintosocietyaslawabidingcitizen;or

(iv) itisdesirableforanyotherreasontoreleasesuchoffenderonfullparoleorprobation;and

(b) submitsareporttotheCommissioner-Generalinwhichitrecommendssuchoffender’sreleaseonfullparoleorprobationandtheconditionsrelatingtosuchrelease,asitconsidersnecessary.


(4) Onconsiderationofthereportandcommentsreferredtoinsubsection(3),theMinistermayauthorisethereleaseonfullparoleorprobationofsuchoffenderonsuchdateandconditionsandforsuchaperiodasheorshemaydetermine.



(5) If,aftertheapprovaloftheoffender’sreleaseonfullparoleorprobation,butbeforetheoffender’srelease,itcomestotheknowledgeoftheofficerinchargeofinformation that indicate the probability of the offender to present a risk to society,whichinformationwasnotavailableduringtheconsiderationoftheoffender’srelease,theofficer inchargemustnot releasesuchoffender,butmust submita report to theNationalReleaseBoardonsuchinformation.



(8) TheMinistermay,afterconsiderationofthereportandrecommendationreferred to in subsection (7), cancel suchoffender’s authorisation for releaseon fullparoleorprobationandinformtheCommissioner-Generalofhisorherdecision.

(9) TheCommissioner-Generalmust inform the officer in charge of thedecisionoftheMinistermadeundersubsection(8).

(10) Themonitoringandsupervisionofanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofsubsection(4)areasprescribed.

(11) (a) Where an offender has been released on full parole orprobationintermsofthissection,theMinistermayatanytime,ontherecommendationoftheNationalReleaseBoardandtheCommissioner-General,canceloramendanyconditionofsuchoffender’sfullparoleorprobationoraddnewconditionsifitisintheinterestofsuchoffender’streatment,rehabilitationorreintegrationintosocietyorintheinterestofsociety.

(b) Beforeacting in termsofparagraph (a), theMinistermustmake thereasonsfortheproposedactionknowntotheoffenderandmustaffordsuchoffenderanopportunitytobeheardinregardtheretobyamemberof the National Release Board or such correctional officer as theCommissioner-Generalmayauthorisethereto.

(12) WhereanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectioncompletestheperioddeterminedbytheMinisterundersubsection(4)withoutcontraveninganyconditionofrelease,heorsheisconsideredtohavedulyservedhisorhertermofimprisonmentandmustbedischargedinrespectofthatsentence,unlesstheMinisterdeterminesotherwise.

(13) (a) Where it comes to the knowledge of the National ReleaseBoard that an offender released on full parole or probation in termsof thissectionwasreleasederroneously,orhas,duringtheperiodoffull paroleorprobation, contravenedor failed toobserve anyof theconditionsof release, theNationalReleaseBoardmust report to theCommissioner-Generalofsucherroneousreleaseorcontravention.





(14) If,uponconsiderationof the report referred to insubsection (13)(c),theCommissioner-Generalissatisfiedthattheoffenderwasreleasederroneouslyorhascontravenedaconditionofhisorherfullparoleorprobation,theCommissioner-GeneralmustsubmitareporttotheMinisterrecommendingthat,suchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobationbewithdrawn.

(15) The Minister may, after consideration of the report referred to insubsection(14),orderthatsuchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobation–

(a) in case of erroneous release, bewithdrawn and that the offender bereadmitted to the correctional facility to continue serving his or hersentence;

(b) in caseof contraventionof conditions, bewithdrawneitherpartiallyorcompletely,andthattheoffenderbereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservinghisorhersentenceforsuchaperiodastheMinistermaydetermine,beforesuchoffenderisagainconsideredtobereleasedonfullparoleorprobation.

Release of offenders sentenced to life imprisonment

117. (1) Anoffenderwhohasbeensentencedtolifeimprisonmentcanbereleasedfromthecorrectionalfacilityonlyonsuchconditionsastofullparoleorprobation.

(2) Notwithstandingsubsection(1),nooffenderwhohasbeensentencedtolifeimprisonmentiseligibletobereleasedonfullparoleorprobation,unlessheorshehasservedtheminimumprescribedtermofimprisonmentandtheNationalReleaseBoard,afterconductingahearing–

(a) issatisfiedthat–

(i) thereisareasonableprobabilitythatsuchoffenderwillabstainfrom crime and is likely to lead a useful, responsible andindustriouslife;



(ii) suchoffenderhasdisplayedameritoriousconductduringsuchminimumtermofimprisonmentandnolongerhasatendencytoengageincrime;and

(iii) the releaseof theoffenderwillcontribute to reintegrationoftheoffenderintosocietyaslawabidingcitizen;or

(iv) itisdesirableforanyotherreasontoreleasesuchoffenderonfullparole;and

(b) submitsareporttotheCommissioner-Generalinwhichitrecommendssuchoffender’sreleaseonfullparoleorprobationandtheconditionsrelatingtosuchrelease,asitconsidersnecessary.


(4) Onconsiderationofthereportandcommentsreferredtoinsubsection(3), theMinistermust forward the report, togetherwithhisorher comments, to thePresident.

(5) ThePresident,onconsiderationofthereportandcommentsreferredtoinsubsection(4),mayauthorisethereleaseonfullparoleorprobationoftheoffenderonthedateandconditionsrecommendedbytheMinisteroronsuchdateandconditionsasthePresidentmaydetermine.

(6) Anoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofsubsection(5),isonfullparoleorprobationforlife,unlessthePresidentdeterminesotherwise.

(7) If,aftertheapprovaloftheoffender’sreleaseonfullparoleorprobation,butbeforetheoffender’srelease,itcomestotheknowledgeoftheofficerinchargeofinformation that indicates theprobabilityof theoffender topresenta risk tosociety,whichinformationwasnotavailableduringtheconsiderationoftheoffender’srelease,theofficer inchargemustnot releasesuchoffender,butmust submita report to theNationalReleaseBoardonsuchinformation.



(10) Uponthereceiptofthereportreferredtoinsubsection(9),theMinistermustforwardit,togetherwithhisorhercomments,tothePresident.

(11) ThePresidentmay,afterconsiderationofthereportandrecommendationreferredtoinsubsection(10),cancelsuchoffender’sauthorisationforreleaseonfullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe,andinformtheMinisterofhisorherdecision.



(12) TheMinistermustinformtheCommissioner-General,whointurnmustinformtheofficerincharge,ofthedecisionofthePresidentmadeundersubsection(11).

(13) Themonitoringandsupervisionofanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectionareasprescribed.

(14) (a) Where an offender has been released on full parole orprobation in termsof thissection, thePresidentmayatany time,ontherecommendationoftheMinister,canceloramendanyconditionofsuchoffender’sfullparoleorprobationoraddnewconditionsifitisintheinterestofsuchoffender’streatment,rehabilitationorreintegrationintosocietyorintheinterestofsociety.

(b) Before acting in terms of paragraph (a), the President must makethe reasons for theproposedactionknown to theoffender andmustaffordsuchoffenderanopportunitytobeheardinregardtheretobyamemberoftheNationalReleaseBoardorsuchcorrectionalofficerastheCommissioner-Generalmayauthorisethereto.

(15) WhereanoffenderreleasedonfullparoleorprobationintermsofthissectioncompletestheperiodotherwisedeterminedbythePresidentundersubsection(6)withoutcontraveninganyconditionofrelease,heorshemaybeconsideredtohavedulyservedhisorhertermofimprisonmentandmustbedischargedinrespectofthatsentence,unlessthePresidentdeterminesotherwise.

(16) (a) Where it comes to the knowledge of the National ReleaseBoard that an offender released on full parole or probation in termsof thissectionwasreleasederroneously,orhas,duringtheperiodoffull paroleorprobation, contravenedor failed toobserve anyof theconditionsof release, theNationalReleaseBoardmust report to theCommissioner-Generalsucherroneousreleaseorcontravention.



(17) If,uponconsiderationof the report referred to insubsection (16)(c),theCommissioner-Generalissatisfiedthattheoffenderwasreleasederroneouslyorhascontravenedaconditionofhisorherfullparoleorprobation,theCommissioner-GeneralmustsubmitareporttotheMinisterrecommendingthat,suchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobationbewithdrawn.



(18) If,uponconsiderationofthereportreferredtoinsubsection(17),theMinisterissatisfiedthattheoffenderwasreleasederroneouslyorhascontravenedaconditionofhisorherfullparoleorprobation,theMinistermustsubmitareporttothePresidentrecommendingthat,suchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobationbewithdrawn.

(19) The President may, after consideration of the report referred to insubsection(18),orderthatsuchoffender’splacementonfullparoleorprobation–

(a) in case of erroneous release, bewithdrawn and that the offender bereadmitted to the correctional facility to continue serving his or hersentence;

(b) in caseof contraventionof conditions, bewithdrawneitherpartiallyorcompletely,andthattheoffenderbereadmittedtothecorrectionalfacilitytocontinueservinghisorhersentenceforsuchaperiodasthePresidentmaydetermine,beforesuchoffenderisagainconsideredtobereleasedonfullparoleorprobation,asthecasemaybe.

Review of cases when release on full parole or probation is not authorised 118. Where the President, the Minister, the Commissioner-General orNationalReleaseBoard, as thecasemaybe,decidesnot to authorise the releaseonfullparoleorprobationofanoffender,subsequentrecommendationforreviewmaybesubmittedatanytimewhentheofficerinchargeissatisfiedthattheoffenderisagaineligibleforconsiderationforreleaseonfullparoleorprobationorthattheoffenderhasfulfilledtheconditions,ifany,imposedbythePresident,theMinister,theCommissioner-GeneralortheNationalReleaseBoard,asthecasemaybe.

Officer in charge responsible for release of offenders

119. (1) Subjecttosubsections(2)and(3),theofficerinchargeofeverycorrectionalfacilityisresponsiblefortheduereleasefromthatcorrectionalfacilityofanoffenderinhisorherlawfulcustody,immediatelyuponhisorherbecomingentitledthereto.

(2) Whereanoffenderdueforreleaseisundergoingmedicaltreatmentinacorrectional facilityhospital,heorshemustnotbereleasedfromthatcorrectionalfacilityunless-

(a) themedicalofficercertifiesthatsuchoffendercanbereleasedwithoutendangeringhisorherhealth;or

(b) theoffenderhimselforherselfrequestsinwritingforhisorherrelease.

(3) Whereanoffenderbecomesentitledunder thisActoranyother lawto be released from correctional facility, otherwise than by the expiration of his orher sentence, theofficer in chargemustnot release suchoffender,otherwise than inaccordancewith the terms of an order,warrant, or instruction issued inwriting andsignedbythepersonauthorisedtodosoundersuchlaw.



Day of release of offender

120. Anoffendermustbereleasedfromcorrectionalfacilitybynoononthedayonwhichheorsheisentitledtobereleased,butwherethatdayfallsonaSaturday,Sundayorpublicholiday,heorshemustbereleasedbynoonontheprecedingdaynotbeingaSaturday,Sundayorpublicholiday.

Travel expenses of released offender

121. Anoffender,excludingaforeignnational,releasedfromacorrectionalfacilityisentitled,uponsuchrelease,toatravelallowanceoftheprescribedamountforpurposesoftravellingtosuchreleasedoffender’splaceoforiginortosuchplaceastheCommissioner-Generalmaydetermineorapprove.

PARTXIVVISITINGJUSTICESANDMINISTERSOFRELIGION

Visiting justices

122. (1) ForthepurposesofthisAct,thefollowingpersonsarevisitingjusticesex-officio,namely-

(a) aJudgeoftheSupremeCourtofNamibiaorJudgeoftheHighCourtofNamibia,inrespectofallcorrectionalfacilitiesinNamibia;

(b) aMinisteroftheGovernmentofNamibia,inrespectofallcorrectionalfacilitiesinNamibia;

(c) amemberoftheNationalAssemblyortheNationalCouncil,inrespectofallcorrectionalfacilitiesinNamibia;

(d) the Permanent Secretary, in respect of all correctional facilities inNamibia

(e) aGovernorreferredtoinsection1oftheRegionalCouncilsAct,1992(ActNo.22of1992),inrespectofallcorrectionalfacilitieswithintheregionoftheRegionalCouncilforwhichheorshehasbeenelectedasGovernor;

(f) amemberofaRegionalCouncil,inrespectofallcorrectionalfacilitieswithinhisorherconstituency;and

(g) amagistrate, in respectofallcorrectional facilitieswithinhisorherareaofmagisterialjurisdiction.

(2) In addition to the persons referred to in subsection (1) theMinistermay,ontherecommendationoftheGovernorofaRegionalCouncil,fromtimetotime,appointbynoticeintheGazettesuchnumber,astheMinistermayconsiderappropriate,offitandproperpersonswithintheregionofsuchRegionalCounciltoserveasvisitingjusticeswithinthatregion.



Functions of visiting justices

123. (1) Avisitingjusticemayatanytimevisitacorrectionalfacilityinrespectofwhichheorsheisavisitingjustice,andmay-

(a) subject to being at all times escorted by an appropriate correctionalofficer, inspect everypart of the correctional facility andvisit everyoffenderinsolitaryconfinementorinaseparatecell;

(b) inspectand test thequalityandquantityof foodordinarilyserved tooffenders;

(c) inquireintoanycomplaintorrequestmadebyanoffender;

(d) ascertain as far as possible, whether the rules, standing orders andadministrativedirectivesissuedundersection5(3)forsuchcorrectionalfacilityarebeingobserved;

(e) inspect any book, document, or record relating to themanagement,disciplineandtreatmentofoffenders;and

(f) performsuchotherfunctionsasmaybeprescribed.

(2) On the completion of each visit, a visiting justicemust enter in thevisitingjustices’book,tobekeptbytheofficerinchargeforthatpurpose,suchremarks,suggestionsandrecommendationsabouthisorherfindings,asheorshemayconsidernecessaryfortheattentionoftheCommissioner-General.

(3) Theofficerinchargemust,assoonasispracticable,inwritingnotifytheCommissioner-Generalofall remarks,suggestionsandrecommendationsenteredintothevisitingjustices’bookbyavisitingjustice.

Ministers of religion

124. Ministersofreligion,orrepresentativesofanyreligiousbodywhohavebeenaccreditedbythebodyinquestionandrecognised,inwriting,assuchrepresentativebytheMinister,maywiththepriorwrittenauthorisationoftheCommissioner-General,and at such times, in such place and under such appropriate supervision asmay beprescribedorasmaybeauthorisedbytheofficerincharge-

(a) visitoffenderswhomayrequiretheirservices;and

(b) holdreligiousservicesforthebenefitofoffenders.

Visits by probation officers and representatives of offenders’ aid societies

125. Aprobationofficerorarepresentativeofanoffenders’aidsocietymay,withthepriorwrittenauthorisationoftheCommissioner-General,bepermittedbytheofficerinchargetovisitoffendersoraparticularoffender,atsuchtimes,insuchplaceandundersuchsupervisionasmaybeprescribedorasmaybeauthorisedbytheofficerincharge.



PARTXVMISCELLANEOUSPROVISIONS

Reward for apprehension of escaped offender

126. (1) Where an offender escapes from lawful custody, theCommissioner-Generalmayofferamonetaryrewardtoanypersonwho-

(a) givesinformationleadingtotheapprehensionofsuchoffender;or

(b) apprehends, secures and hands over such offender to the officer inchargeofacorrectionalfacilityor toanofficerinchargeofapolicestation,

andmay,whether or not a reward has previously been offered, pay to such persona refundof any reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the apprehension as theCommissioner-Generalmaydetermine.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), no correctionalofficerormemberofthepoliceisentitledtoanyrewardundersubsection(1)fortheapprehensionofanescapedoffender,unlesstheCommissioner-Generalisoftheopinionthatexceptionalcircumstancesexisttojustifysuchrewardbeingpaid.

Rewards or gratuities for correctional officers

127. (1) TheCommissioner-GeneralmayinhisorherdiscretionorontherecommendationofaJudgeormagistrate,grantamonetaryrewardorgratuitytoacorrectionalofficerwhointhecourseofdutyhas-

(a) sufferedbodilyinjuries;

(b) performedspecialactsofbraverysuchassavingorattemptingtosavealifeorsavingorattemptingtosavepropertyfromlossordanger;

(c) renderedvaluableinformationacquiredbypersonalrisk,hardship,orunusualskill;or

(d) renderedanyotherspecialormeritoriousservice.

(2) Everyrewardorgratuitygrantedundersubsection(1)issubjecttothepriorapprovaloftheMinisterandmustbepaidfrommoneysappropriatedbyParliamentforthatpurpose.

Detention of offenders sentenced abroad

128. (1) Subject to subsection (2), aNamibian citizenwho has beendulysentencedtoatermofimprisonmentbyacompetentcourtoflawwithinaforeigncountryandistransferredtoacorrectionalfacilityinNamibiatoservethewholeortheunexpiredportionofthatsentence,mustonsuchtransferbesubjecttotheprovisionsofthisActasifheorshewasservingasentenceofacompetentcourtinNamibia.

(2) Thetransferofanoffenderreferredtoinsubsection(1)mustbedoneinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftherelevantlawofNamibiadealingwiththetransfer



ofconvictedoffendersoranyagreementwiththeforeignStateontransferofsentencedoffenderstowhichNamibiaisaparty.

Transfer of offenders to other countries

129. WhereapersonwhoisnotacitizenofNamibiaissentencedtoaperiodofimprisonmentbyacompetentcourtoflawinNamibia,suchpersonmay,subjecttotheprovisionsof the relevant lawofNamibiaon the transferofconvictedoffendersandtheprovisionsoftheagreementwiththeforeignStateonthetransferofsentencedoffenders,betransferredfromNamibiatothatforeignState.

Delegation of powers, functions or duties

130. (1) TheMinistermayinwritingdelegatetoastaffmemberintheMinistryortheCommissioner-Generalanypower,functionordutyconferreduponhimorherbythisAct,excludinganypowerreferredtoinsections12,15,21,122(2)and132,butisnotdivestedofanypower,functionordutysodelegatedandmayamendorwithdrawanydecisionmadebysuchstaffmemberortheCommissioner-Generalintheexerciseofanypower,functionordutysodelegated.

(2) TheCommissioner-Generalmay-

(a) inwritingdelegatetoanyseniorcorrectionalofficeranypowerconferreduponhimorherbyorundertheprovisionsofthisAct,excludingthepowerto-

(i) makeorissuerules,standingordersoradministrativedirectivesintermsofsection5;

(ii) appoint,promote,demoteordischargeortransferacorrectionalofficerintermsofsection8;

(iii) appointofficersinchargeordeputyofficersincharge,intermsofsection18(1),

but is not divested of any power so delegated and may amend orwithdrawanydecisionmadeby theseniorcorrectionalofficer in theexerciseofanypowersodelegated;or

(b) assigntheperformanceofanyfunctionordutyentrustedtohimorherbyorunderthisActtoanyseniorcorrectionalofficer.

(3) Theofficerinchargemay-

(a) inwritingdelegateanypowerconferreduponhimorherbyorunderthisActtothedeputyofficerinchargeoranyotherseniorcorrectionalofficeremployedinhisorhercorrectionalfacility,butisnotdivestedofanypowersodelegatedandmayamendorwithdrawanydecisionmadebysuchdeputycorrectionalofficeror suchseniorcorrectionalofficerintheexerciseofanypowersodelegated;or

(b) assigntheperformanceofanyfunctionordutyentrustedtohimorherbyorunderthisActtothedeputyofficerinchargeoranyotherseniorcorrectionalofficeremployedinhisorhercorrectionalfacility.



(4) A delegation or assignment under subsection (1), (2) or (3)may bemadesubjecttosuchconditionsandrestrictionsasmaybedeterminedbytheMinister,Commissioner-Generalorofficerincharge,asthecasemaybe,andmaybewithdrawnoramendedbyhimorher.

Exemption of Correctional Service clubs from certain taxes, duties and fees

131. (1) Nolicencemoney,tax,dutyorfee,otherthancustoms,exciseorsalesdutiesleviablebylaw,ispayablebyanypersonunderanylaworbye-lawinrespectofanycertifiedclubforcorrectionalofficersorinrespectofanyitemonsaleatsuchaclub.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the production of an officialdocumentbearingthesignatureoftheMinisterorofapersonauthorisedbytheMinistertosignanysuchdocumentandindicatingthatheorshehascertifiedtheclub,issufficientevidencethatitisacertifiedclubfallingunderthissection.

(3) Forthepurposesofthissection“club”includesanymessforcorrectionalofficers or any premises temporarily or permanently used to provide recreation,refreshment, or necessaries mainly for correctional officers or retired correctionalofficersoremployeesoftheCorrectionalServiceorforthefamiliesofsuchcorrectionalofficers,retiredcorrectionalofficersoremployeesorforpersonsemployedinanyworkinorinconnectionwithanysuchmessorpremises.

Regulations

132. (1) TheMinistermaymakeregulationsasto-

(a) the manner, including contracts of employment, of appointment,training, promotion, posting, retirement, resignation, discharge onaccountofillhealthorotherwise,transferand,subjecttosection13ofthePublicServiceAct,1995(ActNo.13of1995),theconditionsofservice,ofcorrectionalofficers;

(b) theretentionofrankbyacorrectionalofficeronretirementorresignationandtheawardofhonoraryranks;

(c) thesupplyofuniformstocorrectionalofficers;

(d) theconduct,disciplineandefficiencyofcorrectionalofficers,includingtemporarycorrectionalofficers;

(e) the occupation of official quarters by correctional officers and staffmembersemployedintheCorrectionalService;

(f) theclassificationofcorrectionalfacilities,thegeneralsupervisionandmanagement thereof, the maintenance of good order and disciplinethereinandthetreatmentandconductofoffenders;

(g) thequorum,actingchairperson,procedureatmeetings,formofminutes,reportsorrecommendationoftheNationalReleaseBoard;



(h) themodeofsupplyingfoodandthescalesofdietandthequantityandqualityofclothingandnecessariesforoffenders;

(i) thesafecustodyofoffenderswhenperformingworkorotherwise;

(j) the receipt and safe custody at correctional facilities of money,valuables,orotherarticlesbelongingtoanyoffender,andtheconditionsandcircumstancesunderwhichpayment,deposit,ordeliveryofsuchmoney,valuablesorotherarticlesmustbemadeduringtheperiodofdetentionofanyoffender;

(k) the introduction into, or conveyanceout of, any correctional facilityof any food, drink, bedding, clothing, books, newspapers, letters,documentsoranyotherarticles;

(l) the searching of offenders and of correctional officers and of allquartersandotherplaceswithinanycorrectionalfacilityoccupiedorfrequented by such offenders or correctional officers and, subject toArticle13oftheNamibianConstitution,theseizureandexaminationofanyletterorcommunicationaddressedtoorreceivedbyanyoffenderorcorrectionalofficer;

(m) thearticlesorobjectswhichareprohibitedarticlesforpurposesofthisAct, theconfiscationordisposalofallarticlesunlawfullyintroducedintoorbeingtakenoutofanycorrectionalfacilityorfoundinornearanycorrectionalfacilityandofallclothingbelongingtooffenderswhichbyreasonofitsconditionorforanyothervalidcauseitisundesirabletokeep;

(n) the admission to any correctional facility of any person other thancorrectional officers, persons employed in or about a correctionalfacilityandpersonswhoaretobedetainedtherein;

(o) theprocedureforreleaseofoffenders,theobtainingandrecordingofinformationregardingbehaviourofoffendersonreleaseandthesupplyofmoney,food,clothingortravellingallowancetooffendersontheirrelease;

(p) thedaysandhoursduringwhichworkbyoffendersmaybesuspended;

(q) themedicalexamination,measurement,photographingand takingoffingerprintsandofparticularsofpersonsconfinedinanycorrectionalfacility or otherwise detained in custody, including the obtaining ofpersonalstatisticsandrecords;

(r) theprovisionandequipmentofworkshopsforthetrainingofoffendersand the supply of machinery, tools, or materials necessary for thepurpose;

(s) themannerinwhichsentencesofimprisonmentoranyothersentencesaretobecarriedout;



(t) theformsofmechanicalrestraintthatmaybeusedandtheconditionsandapplicationofamechanicalrestrainttoanyoffender;

(u) theearningofremissionofsentencebyoffendersservingsentencesofimprisonment;

(v) theproceduresandinquiryrelatingtothedeathofanoffender,andthedisposalofthebodyofanysuchoffender;

(w) thedisposalbysaleorotherwiseofthepersonaleffectsofanyoffenderwhohasescapedorofthepersonaleffectsofanycorrectionalofficerwhohasdeserted theCorrectionalService,and thepayment into theStateRevenueFundofanyproceedsofanysuchsaletotheextentofanydebtowingtotheState;

(x) the temporary detention of any sick offender whose sentence hasexpiredbutwhosereleaseiscertifiedbythemedicalofficertobelikelytoresultinhisorherdeathorinseriousinjurytohisorherhealthortobeasourceofinfectiontoothers;

(y) thecareandmaintenanceofindigentsordestitutepersonstemporarilyreceivedintoacorrectionalfacility;

(z) the subsidising and support of institutions, societies and individualsapprovedbytheMinisterasfurtheringtheobjectsofthisAct;

(aa) the chargingof a correctional officeror offenderwith a disciplinaryoffenceandtheprocedureatdisciplinaryinquiries;theappearingofacorrectionalofficerforaninquiryandtheprocedurethereof;

(ab) the attendance of witnesses at an inquiry, including a disciplinaryinquiry,andthepaymentofwitnessfeesandtravellingexpenses;

(ac) the implements thatmaybeusedbycorrectionalofficersorpersonsemployedinacorrectionalfacilityasweaponsforpurposesofthisAct;

(ad) the payment of monetary compensation to offenders whose earningcapacity isaffectedasa resultofanaccidentor injury received inacorrectionalfacility;

(ae) theeffectiveadministrationandimplementationofcommunityserviceorders, as contemplated in terms of section 276 of the CriminalProcedureAct,1977(ActNo.51of1977);and

(af) generallyanyothermatterwhichisrequiredbythisActtobeprescribedorwhichtheMinisterconsidersnecessaryorexpedienttoprescribeinordertoachievetheobjectsofthisAct

(2) Any regulation made under subsection (1) may provide for suchpenalties, not exceeding N$2000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, for acontraventionoractofnon-compliancewiththoseregulations,orbothsuchamountandsuchimprisonment,anddifferentpenaltiesmaybeimposedforsecondorsubsequentcontraventionsoractsofnon-compliance.



Indemnity and limitation of actions

133. (1) TheState,theMinister,theCommissioner-General,anofficerincharge,adeputyofficerincharge,acorrectionalofficer,astaffmemberintheMinistryorapersonreferredtoinsection12(2),51(2),57(2)or104(2)isnotliableinrespectofanythingdoneingoodfaithunderthisAct.

(2) NoactdonebyacorrectionalofficerunderawarrantissuedbyaJudge,magistrate or other competent authority or written directive or authorisation by theCommissioner-Generalorofficerinchargeisinvalidatedorrenderedunlawfulonlybyareasonofanirregularityinthatwarrant,directiveorauthorisation,asthecasemaybe,ifthecorrectionalofficeractedingoodfaithandbelievedonreasonablegroundsthatthewarrant,directive,orauthorisationwasvalidlyissued.

(3) Nocivil actionagainst theStateoranyperson foranythingdoneoromittedinpursuanceofanyprovisionofthisActmaybeenteredintoaftertheexpirationofsixmonthsimmediatelysucceedingtheactoromissioninquestion,orinthecaseofanoffender,aftertheexpirationofsixmonthsimmediatelysucceedingthedateofhisorherreleasefromcorrectionalfacility,butinnocasemayanysuchactionbeenteredintoaftertheexpirationofoneyearfromthedateoftheactoromissioninquestion.

(4) Notice inwritingofeverysuchaction, stating thecause thereofandthedetailsoftheclaim,mustbegiventothedefendantatleastonemonthbeforethecommencementoftheaction.

Repeal of laws and savings

134. (1) The laws specified in the First Schedule are repealed to theextentspecifiedinthethirdcolumnthereof.

(2) ThelawsspecifiedintheSecondScheduleareamendedtotheextentspecifiedinthethirdcolumnthereof. (3) Anythingdoneunderanyprovisionofanylawrepealedbysubsection(1)andwhichcouldbedoneunderaprovisionofthisActisdeemedtohavebeendoneunderthisAct.

Short title and commencement

135. (1) ThisActiscalledtheCorrectionalServiceAct,2012andcomesintooperationonadatetobedeterminedbytheMinisterbynoticeintheGazette.

(2) DifferentdatesmaybedeterminedinrespectofdifferentprovisionsofthisAct.

(3) Any reference inanyprovisionof thisAct to thecommencementofthisActmustbeconstruedasareferencetothedatedeterminedundersubsection(2)inrelationtothatparticularprovision.



FIRST SCHEDULE(section134)

Number and year of law Short title Extent of repealNo.17of1998 PrisonsAct,1998 ThewholeNo.5of1999 PrisonsAmendmentAct,1999 ThewholeNo.2of2010 PrisonsAmendmentAct,2010 Thewhole

SECOND SCHEDULE(section134)

Number and year of law

Short title Extent of amendment

No.9of2005 Transfer of ConvictedOffendersAct,2005

Insections1,11(1)(a)and12(1)and(2),substitutionforthewords“prisons”and“prison”ofthewords“correctionalfacilities”and“correctionalfacility”respectively.

In section 21(1), substitution for the term“Commissioner of Prisons” of the term “Commissioner-GeneralofCorrectionalService”

Subsection (4) of section 21 is amended by thesubstitution for that subsection of the followingsubsection:

“(4)Forthepurposeofthissection,“staffmember”inthemanagementcadreincludes “senior correctional officer” asdefined in section 1 of the CorrectionalServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012).”.

No.51of1977 Criminal ProcedureAct,1977

In the definition of “peace officer” substitutionfor thewords “member of the prisons service asdefinedinsection1ofthePrisonsAct,1959(ActNo.8of1959)”ofthewords“correctionalofficerasdefinedinsection1oftheCorrectionalServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012)”

Insection51,68,73,78,182,285,286,299,303,339 and 340, substitution for thewords “prison”and“prisons”of thewords“correctional facility”and“correctionalfacilities”respectively.

Insection51(1),substitutionforthewords“section48ofthePrisonsAct,1959(ActNo.8of1959)”ofthewords“section91of theCorrectionalServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012)”.

Insection51(2),substitutionforthewords“section43ofthePrisonsAct,1959(ActNo.8of1959)”ofthewords“section83of theCorrectionalServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012)”.



In section 60 and 307, substitution for thewords“amemberof theprisonserviceat theprison”ofthewords“theofficerinchargeofthecorrectionalfacility”.

Insection182,substitutionfortheword“prisoner”oftheword“inmate”.

Subsection (2) of section 280 is amended by thesubstitution for that subsection of the followingsubsection:

“(2) Subject tosection99(2)of the Correctional Service Act, 2012(ActNo.9of2012)punishmentsreferredto in subsection (1), when consisting ofimprisonment, commence the one afterthe expiration, settingasideor remissionof the other, in such order as the courtmay direct, unless the court directs thatsuchsentencesofimprisonmentmustrunconcurrently.”.

Insection321and340,substitutionforthewords“prisoner”and“prisoners”oftheword“offender”and“offenders”respectively.

In section 340, substitution for the words “headof a prison” of thewords “officer in charge of acorrectionalfacility”.

No.15of2004 LabourAct,2004 Subsection (2) of section 2 is amended by thesubstitution for paragraph (d) of the followingparagraph:

“(d) subject to theCorrectionalServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012),theCorrectionalService.”.

No.13of1995 Public Service Act,1995

Paragraph (c) of section 1 is amended by thesubstitution for the definition of “member of theservice”ofthefollowingparagraph:

“(c)oftheCorrectionalServiceestablishedundersection 2(1) of the Correctional ServiceAct,2012(ActNo.9of2012);”.

No.1of2001 DefenceAct,2002 Schedule1isamendedby–

(a)thedeletioninsection1ofthedefinitionof“PrisonsAct”;

(b)theinsertioninsection1,immediatelyafterthedefinitionof“conveningauthority”,ofthefollowingdefinition:

““Correctional Service Act” means theCorrectional ServiceAct, 2012 (ActNo.9of2012);”;and



(c) the substitution in paragraph (b) ofsection118(1)forthewords“prison”and“PrisonsAct”of thewords “correctionalfacility” and “Correctional ServiceAct”respectively.

THIRD SCHEDULE

SCHEDULED CRIMES OR OFFENCES

1. Assault,whenadangerouswoundisinflicted.

2. Treason

3. Murder

4. Rape

5. Robbery

6. Offence relating to illicit possession, conveyance or supply of dependence-producingdrugs.

7. Anoffenceunder theNatureConservationOrdinance, 1975 (OrdinanceNo.4of1975)forunlawfulhuntingofspeciallyprotectedgamewherethevalueinvolvedintheoffenceexceedsN$5000-00.

8. An offence under the Controlled Game Products Proclamation, 1980(ProclamationNo.42of1980)fortheunlawfuldealinginanycontrolledgamewherethevalueinvolvedintheoffenceexceedsN$5000-00.

9. Anoffencerelatingtomoneylaundering.

10. Anoffencerelatingtoillicitdealinginorsmugglingofammunition,firearms,explosiveorarmament.

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Correctional Service Act, 2012. · No. 5008 Government Gazette 7 August 2012 3 Act No. 9, 2012...

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