STAFF WRITER
Another staff member of the Namibia Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) has been arrested in connection with the January 2025 robbery that cost the company a consignment of diamonds worth N$300 million.
The robbery left NAMDIA senior protection officer, Francois Eiseb, killed while defending the premises.
NAMDIA Public Relations and Communications Officer Beverley Coussement released a statement on Thursday confirming the arrest which is part of the ongoing investigations into Namibia’s largest diamond heist since independence..
“Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) hereby informs the public and its
stakeholders that an additional staff member has been arrested in connection to the ongoing investigation into the armed diamond heist that occurred at the company’s premises on 18 January 2025,” the statement said.
The latest arrest also came after police apprehended the Cloete Family, husband and wife George and Charmaine Cloete, along with George’s brother Bino Cloete, in Keetmanshoop in May 2025. They face charges of illicit trafficking under the Diamond Act and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Coussement said the development follows continued collaboration between NAMDIA and law enforcement authorities as part of efforts to ensure full accountability and transparency.
“The implicated staff member has been placed on immediate suspension without pay pending the outcome of both the internal disciplinary process and the criminal investigation. NAMDIA does not and will not tolerate any conduct that undermines the integrity of the company, or the trust placed in us by the Namibian people. Our employees are held to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct and any breaches are treated with the utmost seriousness,” she said.
The heist resulted in the suspension and dismissal of its CEO Alisa Amupolo and other officials.
NAMDIA also instituted an ongoing legal action against security firm G4S over the heist while the robbery raised public concern over the incident’s handling and transparency.
The heist involved internal complicity, resulting in the death of a Namdia officer, and the investigation continues, with authorities emphasizing ongoing efforts to recover the stones and bring perpetrators to justice
She added that, We commend and sincerely thank the Namibian Police Force for their continued efforts, professionalism and dedication throughout this complex investigation. Their support and commitment have been critical in advancing the case and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable”.
She said NaAMDIA is fully committed to support the Namibian Police Force and all relevant authorities involved in this investigation.
“Out of respect for due process and to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be disclosed at this stage.Future updates will be issued through NAMDIA’s official communication channels as and when new verified information becomes available,” she said.
So far Joel Angula (46), a former NAMDIA protection officer and the alleged mastermind has appeared in court facing eight charges, including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of uncut diamonds. Late last year he pleaded not guilty to all counts and launched a formal bail application.
Another suspect Sam Shololo (45), a former soldier who also pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and diamond theft in October 2025. He is alleged to have helped smuggle a portion of the stolen diamonds into South Africa.
Samuel Shipanga, a former G4S security guard and first responder to the scene, has also been charged with the theft of diamonds and complicity in the heist.
The next court hearing against Angula and Shololo has been postponed to March 19, 2026, pending a decision from the Prosecutor General on the final charges.
One suspect, Max Endjala ( former Chief of Operations for Trustco’s Forensic Investigations), died at the scene. While police initially described it as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the circumstances remain a point of public and legal scrutiny.
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