Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader and parliamentarian Job Amupanda has dismissed a recent statement by Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) as confirmation of the allegations he recently levelled against the company.
The allegations involved the state-owned diamond trading company’s governance and security practices.
Namdia in a statement released on Saturday cautioned against “misleading information” about security appointments at the company.
This comes after Amupanda recently claimed investigations carried out by his team of investigators have shown that Namdia hired a security consultant without qualifications and following the correct procurement procedures.
In a social media post published on Saturday, Amupanda responded to Namdia’s media statement, saying: “Namdia has released this statement clarifying to the public as directed. They of course confirmed everything we stated. I will not accept silence or non-cooperation from Namdia on stolen diamonds and governance issues.”
Amupanda further informed his followers that he was currently “busy with the harvest of poatoes in Ondonga with the King of Ondonga,” but promised to return with a “deeper reflection” once his traditional duties were finalised.
“For now, read for yourself while we are completing the harvest!”, he posted on Facebook.
His comments come in the wake of an armed robbery at Namdia’s Windhoek premises in January.
While the company says the matter remains under police investigation, it is under growing pressure from civil society and opposition figures to account for perceived lapses in security and transparency.
In Namdia’s statement, it says it has taken note of “recent social media posts containing unsubstantiated allegations regarding the company’s security protocols, governance practices and the appointment of a security consultant”.
The company confirmed that emergency measures were implemented after the robbery under the Public Procurement Act, citing “the urgent need for specialised expertise” in stabilising its internal security.
Namdia defends the appointment of a new security consultant and says the previous contractor, Neldan, had completed its term.
“Under the leadership of the acting chief executive, Namdia continues to prioritise stability, operational continuity and accountability,” the statement reads.
It also appeals to the public and media to refrain from spreading “unverified information”, saying it could compromise law-enforcement efforts.
Namdia expresses gratitude to the police for progress made in the investigation, including additional arrests linked to the case.
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