Windhoek — THE Commissioner of Prisons, Evaristos Shikongo, has appealed to members of the public to support the ministry in its new philosophy focusing on case and unit management.

Shikongo made the call at the graduation ceremony of 50 prison members of staff who underwent an intensive eight-week training programme on the implementation of the pilot project on unit management.

The implementation of unit and case management is seen as the only way to effectively combat skyrocketing crime in the country.

"This is our starting point to change to our new philosophy. The safety of prison members and the protection of the public are enhanced by increased interaction with the offenders. This is one of the fundamental aspects of unit management," said the Commissioner of Prisons.

With the help of Canadian experts, participants who have acquired new skills and practical knowledge are expected to contribute significantly to the successful reintegration of offenders into society.

Namibia has from the beginning of the year witnessed the killings of people, especially women and defenceless children and thus a suggestion is being made that there is a need for a national debate to address crime.

According to Shikongo, the Ministry of Prisons and Correctional Services strongly believes there is still a possibility to change an offender's way of life and return them to non-criminal life if given proper effective rehabilitation.

Offenders who have already been convicted have proved they are even more dangerous than those outside and thus proper rehabilitation is needed.

"Researchers show that most of the people who commit heinous crimes are repeaters who did not get such treatment whilst in prison," he said.