Namdia recovers N$40.6 Million in stolen diamonds as investigation continues

Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) has given an update on the armed robbery at its premises, confirming that diamonds worth N$40.6 million have been recovered out of the N$314.9 million stolen. The Namibian Police Force is leading the investigation, with two suspects arrested and scheduled to appear in court on 23 May 2025.

The diamond marketing and sales company has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing security measures to prevent future incidents. NAMDIA further says that while specific details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, the company has implemented immediate and ongoing upgrades in line with international best practices and the Public Procurement Act (PPA).

Additionally, NAMDIA is in talks with its insurance providers regarding the robbery as part of its broader risk management strategy. The company assures stakeholders that its security systems are continuously evolving to address emerging threats.

The armed robbery at Namib Desert Diamonds has sent shockwaves through the country’s diamond industry, raising serious questions about security protocols at the state-owned company. The heist, which took place on the evening of 18 January 2025, resulted in the deaths of two people and the disappearance of diamonds worth an estimated N$300 million.

Police deputy inspector general for operations Elias Mutota confirmed that authorities had warned Namdia late last year about a potential robbery, urging the company to tighten security. However, it remains unclear whether any security upgrades were implemented before the heist occurred.

According to police reports, four armed suspects gained access to Namdia’s premises and held employees hostage before making off with an undisclosed quantity of diamonds. Two suspects have since been arrested and are expected to appear in court on 23 May 2025.

In the wake of the robbery, Namdia has suspended its CEO Alisa Amupolo, Chief Operations Officer Uahoroka Kauta, and Security Manager Paulinus Shiyapo as a precautionary measure. The company’s board, chaired by Justus Hausiku, has appointed Lelly Usiku as interim CEO.

Namdia, which was established in 2016 to market Namibia’s diamonds independently as part of an agreement with De Beers, was reportedly preparing for its first major sale of the year when the robbery took place.

The Namibian police remain tight-lipped after the robbery at Namdia left two people dead and diamonds missing.

The post Namdia recovers N$40.6 Million in stolen diamonds as investigation continues first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Namdia recovers N$40.6 Million in stolen diamonds as investigation continues appeared first on Future Media News.