Namdia, police call off heist briefing

The Namibian Police and state diamond-marketing company Namdia have indefinitely postponed the much-anticipated joint press conference at which details and progress into the country’s largest diamond heist last Saturday were to be shared.The robbery resulted in two deaths and the theft of 446 diamonds. The lack of updates has fuelled speculation and frustration as authorities remain tight-lipped about key details.On Saturday evening, Namdia spokesperson Beverley Coussement said a full statement would be issued once more information became available.By Monday, she informed the media that a joint press conference between Namdia and the Namibian Police would be held. “Given the sensitive nature of the incident, Namdia is dedicated to ensuring that all information shared is thoroughly verified by the investigating authorities and does not compromise the ongoing investigation,” she said.However, on Monday afternoon, the police communication department informed the media that while they were aware of plans for a joint briefing on Tuesday, it would “definitely not [be] tomorrow.” Yesterday Namdia announced that the joint media briefing was “put on hold until further notice.” Coussement subsequently told Namibian Sun she could not share any information at this point but assured that updates would follow soon. “We are working on an alternative date. This is a very delicate situation. There are various issues and matters that we need to verify,” she said.Deadly consequencesThe heist unfolded at Namdia’s headquarters in Windhoek when armed suspects entered the premises allegedly by force or were ushered in by implicated staff.Namdia’s security supervisor, Francis Eiseb, was reportedly killed during the incident while attempting to intervene. He was found tied up in a storage room alongside one of the suspects, Max Endjala, a celebrated squash champion.Endjala later died from a gunshot wound believed to have been self-inflicted as police closed in on him.Namdia has avoided confirming how many diamonds were stolen or addressing allegations of insider involvement.One of their own security officers, Joel Angula, has been implicated in the robbery.Preliminary investigations suggest Angula arrived at Namdia’s offices for his shift around 14:00 on the day of the heist and was accompanied by two other suspects, Endjala and Sam Shololo.The three allegedly set their plan into motion, which ultimately led to Eiseb’s death.Twists and turnsInitial police reports suggested that four suspects were involved in the robbery and that two managed to escape with diamonds worth millions.However, investigators have now ruled out this version of events. Authorities believe no one escaped from the scene and are exploring whether Angula or others involved in securing the premises might have hidden or taken the missing parcels.Thirteen diamond parcels were reportedly recovered at Angula’s residence, but 446 remain missing. It is not clear at this point how many diamonds were allegedly stolen, as one of the suspects was also found with his mouth stuffed with diamonds.Police are also investigating whether officers or private security personnel who first arrived at the scene may have taken advantage of unguarded conditions to steal some of the diamonds. A source close to the investigation revealed that the crime scene was left unsecured for an extended period, raising concerns about tampering or theft.jemima@nmh-hub.com

Namdia, police call off heist briefing

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Namdia, police call off heist briefing

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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