WINDHOEK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Namibian police have arrested another suspect in connection with the country's largest diamond robbery in 2025, in which diamonds worth 314.9 million Namibian dollars (about 19.18 million U.S. dollars) were stolen from a highly secured facility.
In a statement released on Thursday, the state-owned Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) company said an additional staff member had been arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the robbery. The suspect's identity has been withheld pending a scheduled court appearance.
NAMDIA said the latest arrest adds to a series of law enforcement actions taken in the aftermath of the high-profile heist.
"We commend and sincerely thank the Namibian Police Force for their continued efforts, professionalism, and dedication throughout this complex investigation. Their support has been crucial in advancing the case and ensuring accountability for those responsible," the company said.
According to authorities, one suspect was killed during the robbery in January 2025, in the affluent suburb of Klein Windhoek, while another later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the incident. Only diamonds valued at 40.6 million Namibian dollars (about 2.48 million U.S. dollars) have so far been recovered.
Those arrested in connection with the case include a security guard from G4S, the private security firm contracted to protect the diamonds, as well as Joel Angula, a former NAMDIA security officer, and Samuel Shipanga, who was also employed by G4S. Another accused, Sam Shololo, has also been implicated in the case.
Separately, another suspect, Bino Cloete, along with several family members, was arrested last year in the southern town of Keetmanshoop on charges related to the alleged sale of the stolen diamonds in neighboring South Africa.
Following the robbery, former NAMDIA Chief Executive Officer Alisa Amupolo was placed on administrative leave and later dismissed, as the diamond marketing company seeks to restore trust in its operations.
NAMDIA was established in 2016 under an agreement with global diamond company De Beers, which requires Namdeb Holdings, a joint venture between the Namibian government and De Beers, to allocate 15 percent of its annual production to NAMDIA for independent trading on the international market. ■