Justicia Shipena
Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) says it cannot comment beyond confirming the arrest of one of its employees in connection with the N$315 million diamond heist.
The Windhoek Observer approached Namdia after the company confirmed on Thursday that an employee had been arrested.
The publication sought details, including the employee’s position, gender and identity, among others.
“Unfortunately, as it is an active criminal investigation, Namdia is not in a position to provide any further details of the arrest,” Namdia’s public relations and communications officer, Beverley Coussement, told the Windhoek Observer in response to questions.
Coussement did however, confirm that the arrest took place on Wednesday.
The armed robbery at Namdia’s premises occurred on 18 January 2025.
The total number of arrests linked to the violent diamond heist has now risen to four.
Those arrested include two suspects who appeared in court in 2025. Among those arrested is a G4S security guard charged in relation to the theft.
Others arrested are former Namdia security officer Joel Angula, former G4S security officer Samuel Shipanga and Sam Shololo.
Bino Cloete and members of his family were also arrested in Keetmanshoop last year.
They are not linked to the violent robbery but face charges related to the alleged sale of stolen Namdia diamonds in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Coussement said the arrested employee has been placed on immediate suspension without pay while internal disciplinary processes and the criminal investigation continue.
Namdia did not disclose the name of the employee or further personal details.
“We do not and will not tolerate any conduct that undermines the integrity of the company or the trust placed in us by the Namibian people,” Coussement said.
She added that no further information will be released at this stage.
“Out of respect for the due process [and] the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be disclosed at this stage.”
