Hilma Nalupe
Joel Angula, one of the men accused in the high-profile Namdia diamond heist, has denied ever possessing stolen diamonds.
Appearing in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, Angula pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting in his plea explanation that he never held rough or uncut diamonds and did not contravene the law in any way.
He faces three counts: theft of diamonds, possession of an unknown quantity of rough or uncut diamonds and disguising the unlawful origin of property in contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
Angula, who is represented by defence lawyer Dawn Marondedze, remains in custody. The matter was postponed to 28 November 2025 for the prosecutor general’s decision.
The case stems from an 18 January 2025 robbery that shook Namibia’s diamond industry, when armed men stormed Namib Desert Diamonds’ (Namdia) Windhoek headquarters.
The attack left Namdia’s senior protection officer, Francis Eiseb (58), dead after being shot at close range. Millions of dollars worth of diamonds were stolen.
One of the suspected robbers, Max Endjala (44), died at the scene from what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound — though his death fuelled speculation about the heist’s circumstances and possible accomplices. Police later arrested Angula at his home, reportedly recovering some of the stolen diamonds, while a third suspect was also taken into custody.
With Angula’s plea now on record, the case enters a crucial stage as the prosecutor general decides whether to proceed to trial and on what charges.