Justicia Shipena
A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) and the Namibian Police Force (Nampol) will create a framework for intelligence sharing, cooperation and operational alignment across the diamond value chain.
The two institutions signed the agreement on Thursday at the Police National Headquarters in Windhoek.
The agreement follows a robbery in January that involved the theft of diamonds worth about N$350 million from Namdia’s Windhoek headquarters.
The incident also led to the deaths of Namdia executive Francis Eiseb and one of the suspects, Max Endjala.
Acting Namdia chief executive officer Lelly Usiku said the partnership strengthens coordination and reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting its natural resources.
She said Namdia and Nampol share responsibility for keeping the diamond industry secure, transparent and resilient. The MoU sets out how the two institutions will work together to address risks and emerging threats.
Usiku says diamonds play an important role in economic growth, public services and social development.
She pointed out that Namibia has to live up to growing international standards for ethics, traceability, and transparency.
She further said the partnership strengthens oversight, compliance and the country’s ability to meet international requirements.
The agreement covers all stages of diamond handling, including transport, storage and export.
Usiku said the industry requires strict procedures and close coordination, which the MoU formalises through joint risk management and operational support.
The partnership strengthens internal controls for Namdia and boosts operational readiness and investigative capacity for Nampol.
According to Usiku, the partnership is expected to improve security during diamond handling and transportation, strengthen coordination during sorting, valuation and sales, and increase investigative capacity for suspected illicit trade. She said it also improves compliance with national laws and international protocols and builds confidence among stakeholders.
Inspector general Joseph Shikongo said the MoU is an important step toward improving coordination between the two institutions.
Shikongo noted that the diamond sector is one of Namibia’s most sensitive and valuable industries, and strong security systems are essential.
He said the MoU commits both institutions to improving information-sharing, tightening security protocols and strengthening joint responses to risks within the diamond value chain.
Shikongo says the partnership will deepen expertise, strengthen operational capacity and support efforts to detect and prevent criminal activities that threaten public confidence and national development.
He expressed confidence that the partnership will deliver concrete results and could guide future cooperation between the police and the private sector.
