THE 412 Police cadets who graduated at Oshakati last Friday represent only half of NamPol's annual recruitment target as recommended by the third National Development Plan (NDP 3).

This was said by the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, at Friday's graduation ceremony.

He said the force lost 318 members last year due to death, retirement and resignation, and is seriously understaffed at the moment.

The target for the next financial year is to recruit 620 new cadets.

Minister of Safety and Security Nickey Iyambo said he would do every-thing in his power to address this problem.

"Unfortunately, due to budgetary limitations, the target set in the third National Development Plan for the recruitment of 1 000 new Police members each financial year may not be achieved. However I will do everything in my power to ensure that our NDP3 goals, including Police recruitment, are expedited," said Minister Iyambo.

Six Police cadets who excelled during training received trophies at the ceremony.

The award for the best overall student went to Lukalwa Severia.