Namibia Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has suspended its CEO, chief operations officer, and head of security following a high-profile armed robbery in which nearly $20 million worth of diamonds were stolen, and a senior security officer was killed.
The suspensions were announced as part of an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The executives affected include CEO Alisa Amupolo, chief operations officer Uahoroka Kauta, and security manager Paulinus Sheyapo. Namdia’s board of directors stated that the suspensions are a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the investigation. Lelly Usiko, a Namdia executive who has previously served as interim CEO, will take over Amupolo’s role temporarily.
Details of the Heist
The robbery occurred on 18 January at Namdia’s headquarters in Windhoek, as the company was preparing to sell its largest consignment of rough diamonds to date, reportedly valued at $17.5 million (N$318 million).
Four armed intruders carried out the attack, during which security supervisor Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 57, was shot and killed while responding to the break-in. Other staff members were bound and threatened during the raid.
Namibian authorities have taken two suspects into custody, one of whom was a Namdia employee at the time. A third suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while a fourth remains at large.
Security and Internal Oversight Under Scrutiny
The timing of the robbery has led to speculation about an “inside job,” with reports suggesting that Namdia had been warned about potential security vulnerabilities but had not implemented necessary upgrades. These concerns have fuelled public and political calls for greater accountability within the organisation.
Namibia’s opposition leader, McHenry Venaani, has previously called for the suspension of the entire Namdia board of directors and executives. However, the company has maintained that, aside from the suspect already in custody, there is no evidence implicating any other employees at this stage of the investigation.
“We assure you the decision to suspend these team members was not taken lightly,” the board stated. “However, the investigation and recovery process must now run its course. The Namdia board has decided to take this urgent precautionary step in the business’s best interests, as well as protect the integrity of both the executives and the investigation.”
Implications for the Diamond Industry
This incident highlights the ongoing security risks faced by diamond companies, particularly those dealing in high-value rough stones. Jewellers and industry professionals will be monitoring the outcome of Namdia’s internal investigation, as well as any potential regulatory or procedural changes that may emerge in response to the heist.
The case also underscores the importance of stringent security measures within diamond trading firms, both in terms of physical infrastructure and personnel oversight. As investigations continue, the industry will be looking for insights into how such incidents can be prevented in the future.
