Iuze Mukube 

The prosecution has argued that due to strong evidence against one of the accused in the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) diamond heist, Joel Angula, he has a case to answer too. 

Angula, who is seeking to be released on bail, is part of the group of people arrested in connection with the robbery that took place on 18 January 2025 at Namdia head office. 

During the bail oral submission on Friday, prosecutor Johannes Kalipi argued that the State is objecting to the granting of bail and has demonstrated that apart from the 13 parcels of diamonds found at Angula’s house worth N$4.7 million, the CCTV footage, Max Endjala and Sam Shololo are his relatives and who are also accused in the matter. 

Angula, a former security guard at Namdia, was first treated as a victim of robbery, however, it become evident that he was not a victim but a participant in the robbery with his uncle (Shololo) and cousin (Endjala), who also happens to be his best friend, according to the State. 

Kalipi added that while Angula denied being part of the robbery and murder, he still identified Endjala and Shololo as the people who tied him up on two occasions. 

He argued that Angula acted in common purpose with the two in the execution of the robbery, hence, the conduct of each of them is attributed to the other. 

The State further indicated that Angula was part of the planning and gave insightful information with regards to the heist. 

Angula made plans to give access to his co-accused to execute the robbery at Namdia, according to the prosecution. 

Furthermore, Angula allegedly made certain admissions to a deputy commissioner that “no one was supposed to get hurt or killed.” 

During the robbery, Namdia security guard, Francis Eiseb was shot and killed. 

Kalipi shared with the court that based on the evidence, Angula has visited the Namdia premises multiple times. 

According to Kalipi, it will not be in the interest of justice to grant bail to Angula as 452 parcels of diamonds worth N$295 million are still missing. 

He argued that the accused may interfere with investigations and exhibits that have not yet been recovered. 

Angula’s lawyer Veiko Alexander argued that the State has no direct evidence to support its allegations and or linking his client to the robbery and murder. 

He stated the State has no credible evidence that will be admissible at trial and that it is basing allegations on hearsay and circumstantial evidence. 

He argued that some of its allegations, count 3 and 5, dealing with two counts of attempted murder, are just one of many attempts by the State to try and triumph up its very weak case. 

Magistrate Helvi Shikalepo postponed the matter to 23 February 2026 for judgement. 

–mukubeiuze@gmail.com