Amupanda still questions Namdia security

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 flagged allegations involve the state-owned diamond trading company’s governance and security practices.

Namdia in a statement released on Saturday cautions 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 without 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 potatoes at 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 after 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 confirms that emergency measures were implemented since the robbery in January under the Public Procurement Act, citing “the urgent need for specialised expertise” in stabilising its internal security and forming part of Namdia’s broader risk mitigation strategy.

Namdia defended the appointment of a new security consultant and stated that 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,” says Namdia spokesperson Beverley Coussement.

Namdia 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.

The company says it has taken note of recent social media posts containing unsubstantiated allegations regarding its security protocols, governance and the appointment of security consultants.

“While specific details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, these measures were executed urgently under the Public Procurement Act, which permits emergency procurement in critical situations,” Coussement says.

Coussement says all decisions relating to upgrades were taken in the interest of protecting staff, the product and the premises, and in alignment with international best practices.

“Prior to this appointment, security services had been provided by Neldan, a Namibian-registered company with operations in several countries, including Angola. That contract, however, had come to its natural conclusion, creating a gap that further underscored the need for a more strategic and expert-led security approach,” Coussement says.

Since the incident, she says, staff have been provided with access to professional counselling support.

Coussement says the public should allow the police the space and time required to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

“Speculation, unverified accusations or attempts to influence the process could undermine the pursuit of justice and the eventual resolution of this matter,” she says.

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