Allexer Namundjebo
Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) has confirmed that it carried out an emergency procurement process to upgrade its security systems and appoint a security consultant.
This follows allegations made by member of parliament and Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda.
In a social media post, Amupanda accused Namdia of violating procurement procedures.
He claimed the company appointed a security consultant without formal qualifications and that the consultant’s son was involved in installing the new security system.
He also raised concerns about Namdia’s previous ties to Neldan, an Angolan-based company that, he alleged, had access to the company’s alarm reports.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Namdia’s spokesperson, Beverly Coussement, said the emergency procurement was done under the public procurement act following a “brazen and devastating armed robbery” at its headquarters earlier this year.
“These measures were executed urgently… All decisions relating to these upgrades were taken in the best interest of protecting staff, product and premises, and in alignment with international best practices,” Coussement said.
She stated that the board appointed the security consultant to stabilise operations and manage urgent security upgrades, citing a critical need for specialised expertise.
Namdia did not directly address the claims about the consultant’s qualifications or the involvement of his son.
Regarding its past relationship with Neldan, Namdia confirmed the company was previously contracted.
Namdia said Neldan is Namibian-registered and operates in several countries, including Angola.
Coussement said the contract has since ended, adding that this transition highlighted the need for a revised security approach.
Namdia defended its actions as lawful and necessary, urging the public and political figures to avoid sharing unverified claims.
“Speculation, unverified accusations or attempts to influence the process could undermine the pursuit of justice,” the company said.
In February, Namdia was the target of an armed robbery in which diamonds worth millions were stolen. Two people, including a Namdia employee, were killed during the incident.
Two suspects were later arrested and remain in custody. Police have not released further updates on the investigation.
