Namdia staff get counselling after gem robbery

Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) staff are receiving counselling following the N$350-million gemstone heist at the company’s office in Windhoek on Saturday.

In a media statement released on Wednesday evening, the company’s chief executive, Alisa Amupolo, said Namdia remains committed to keeping the media updated on the progress and action being taken following the robbery at its premises.

The company released the update after a second postponement of a media briefing that was scheduled to take place on Wednesday.

“Due to ongoing investigations, it was deemed fit for the planned joint media conference to be postponed until an appropriate time. We will then be in a better position to provide you with a critical update on the progress of the police and internal investigation,” Amupolo stated.

She said the update will also include information about how much of the stolen goods has been recovered.

She said her company is in the meantime working closely with the family of Namdia security officer Francis Eiseb, who was killed when he was shot during the robbery, to finalise his memorial service and funeral arrangements.

She said Namdia’s staff continue to receive the necessary support and counselling following the
incident.

“Our business is open, and operations have not been affected,” said Amupolo.

Max Endjala, an alleged robber in the heist, during which diamonds valued at about N$350 million are claimed to have been stolen, also died during the incident.

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