Namdeb workers appear in court on diamond charges

NINETEEN Namdeb employees appeared in the Oranjemund Magistrate’s Court yesterday, charged with theft and possession of uncut diamonds.

The 19 were arrested last week Tuesday after a syndicate of alleged diamond thieves were monitored for some time at the diamond enclave. They have been divided into three groups.The first group of 11 consists of: Junias Ipumbu (36), Albinus Ndongo (49), Melkisedek Iileka (29), Johannes Lugambo (32), Hubert Heita (47), Nika Hangala (48), Petrus Kiinge (34), Cyril Aseb (25), Levi Iipumbu (29), Sevelinus Katamba (52) and Barkias Moongo (48).They were charged with the theft of an unspecified number of unpolished diamonds and released on bail of N$1 000 each.In the second group were Johannes Nuuyoma (24), Manfred Mukarenge (49), Timoteus Kalyo (33) and Elieser Areab.The four were charged with the theft and possession of unpolished diamonds and were granted bail of N$2 000.The last group of four consisted of Josef Hamukoto (39), Justice Iitula (39), Gerson Gaingob (34) and Don Bock (24).Each one faces a charge of theft and possession of unpolished diamonds.They were released on bail of N$1 000.All three cases were postponed to November 15 for further investigation.Namdeb spokesperson Hilifa Mbako said earlier that the suspects were immediately handed over to the Namibian Police for further investigation of the case and prosecution.Sources said the men were all from the MA1 area in Namdeb plant number three, worked on the same shift team and allegedly operated as a syndicate.As a result of the bust, the plant was shut down for most of Tuesday last week.The company has yet to say how many diamonds were stolen or what their estimated value was.All 19 suspects were suspended with full pay.They have been divided into three groups.The first group of 11 consists of: Junias Ipumbu (36), Albinus Ndongo (49), Melkisedek Iileka (29), Johannes Lugambo (32), Hubert Heita (47), Nika Hangala (48), Petrus Kiinge (34), Cyril Aseb (25), Levi Iipumbu (29), Sevelinus Katamba (52) and Barkias Moongo (48).They were charged with the theft of an unspecified number of unpolished diamonds and released on bail of N$1 000 each.In the second group were Johannes Nuuyoma (24), Manfred Mukarenge (49), Timoteus Kalyo (33) and Elieser Areab.The four were charged with the theft and possession of unpolished diamonds and were granted bail of N$2 000.The last group of four consisted of Josef Hamukoto (39), Justice Iitula (39), Gerson Gaingob (34) and Don Bock (24).Each one faces a charge of theft and possession of unpolished diamonds.They were released on bail of N$1 000.All three cases were postponed to November 15 for further investigation.Namdeb spokesperson Hilifa Mbako said earlier that the suspects were immediately handed over to the Namibian Police for further investigation of the case and prosecution.Sources said the men were all from the MA1 area in Namdeb plant number three, worked on the same shift team and allegedly operated as a syndicate.As a result of the bust, the plant was shut down for most of Tuesday last week.The company has yet to say how many diamonds were stolen or what their estimated value was.All 19 suspects were suspended with full pay.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.