Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The government did not authorise Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) to continue operating from its Klein Windhoek headquarters following a diamond heist in January.
This was revealed by minister of industry, mines and energy Natangwe Ithete, in Parliament on Tuesday.
The diamond heist led to the disappearance of diamonds worth over N$314 million.
Ithete said that Namdia has relocated its operations due to security concerns.
“As we are currently speaking, Namdia is not operating from the same building for the same reasons and for the same concerns that the country is having that it is probably not safe. So we equally did not authorise Namdia to operate from there while we are looking at the security features,” he said.
Ithete was responding to questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, who asked about the status of the robbery investigations and the security measures in place at Namdia.
Venaani said he was aware the robbery case was under police investigation but raised concerns about broader security lapses at the diamond company.
“Mr Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, there are lots of allegations going around that there are security breaches currently at Namdia… And I have not seen you in electronic or print media visiting Namdia to acquaint yourself. So the first question is, have you ever visited Namdia? Can you give assurance to this country that a new heist will not take place under the security conditions that are there?” He asked.
Venaani also questioned why the government continues to retain Namdia’s board of directors and management despite the heist.
“Why is the government keeping the current board of Namdia while there was a heist under their watch, and the same board is said to be having a number of lapses in terms of security? So what is really happening at Namdia? Why is the board protected? Have you been there as a minister? How can you assure this country that diamonds there will not be stolen again, because we are getting so many stories around Namdia,” he said.
In response, thete said changing the board every time a crime occurs is not sustainable.
However, he added that this does not mean the ministry will not make changes.
“It does not mean the ministry will not change the board or that it is going to change the board immediately,” he said.
