Presidential economic adviser and green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe has warned that the recent heist at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) highlights the critical need for enhanced security measures and a more diversified economy.
Diamonds worth N$349 million were stolen during an armed robbery at Namdia’s Windhoek office on Saturday.
Mnyupe yesterday spoke to The Namibian at State House, saying: “I think there’s a huge conversation around security. There’s a huge conversation around system failure.”
The adviser said Namibian diamonds should be guarded, just like citizens.
“Because the revenue they generate reverberates right across the whole economy . . . I’m sure there will be discussions about how to make those systems more robust going forward,” he said.
According to The Issue, the police alerted Namdia to what appeared to have been an imminent heist late last year.
Mnyupe said he was not convinced the heist would have a significant impact on Namibia’s economy.
“From an economic perspective, I know we had a tough year last year from a diamond trading perspective, pricing, etc.
“I think it also just reminds Namibia that it’s very useful to diversify our economy,” he said.
Mnyupe said while diamonds are very important, there’s excitement about oil discoveries too.
“We have had some sobering updates from an oil perspective. We’re doing our best to develop new industries, such as the green industrialisation objective, to make sure Namibia doesn’t rely too much on any one commodity,” he said.
He said there’s a need to start developing secondary sectors allowing the country to manufacture goods that can be made in Namibia.
“We can add value to them,” Mnyupe said.
SHOTS HEARD
Meanwhile, the commissioner said he heard the shots during Saturday’s robbery being fired.
“The neighbourhood was obviously fairly traumatised. But I really feel for the ecosystem, for Namibia, all the security personnel,” he said.
The heist has left two people dead, Namdia security chief Francis Eiseb, and suspect Max Endjala.
Two suspects were arrested on charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of uncut diamonds, and attempted murder.
One of the arrested suspects, Joel Angula (45), was denied bail yesterday, while Sam Shololo (45) is currently hospitalised and will make his first court appearance once he has recovered.
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