Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist
Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

On Monday, the company announced that its board passed a resolution over the weekend to suspend CEO Alisa Amupolo, Chief Operations Officer Uahoroka Kauta, and Paulinus Sheyapo, the manager of security.
The board appointed Lelly Usiku to serve as interim CEO to ensure “business continuity.”
An economist by training, Usiku is head of the diamond company’s market development, sales, and branding operations, and has stepped in as interim CEO before.
The robbery happened in the early evening hours of Jan. 18 when several individuals, allegedly aided on the inside by one of the company’s employees, entered Namdia’s headquarters in the Namibian capital of Windhoek.
Gunfire broke out during the robbery and two individuals were killed—58-year-old Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, a Namdia security guard who had been with the company since 2019, and one of the suspects, Max Endjala.
Two individuals have been arrested and charged in the case, including the Namdia security guard who allegedly served as the mastermind behind the robbery.
Namdia has said little publicly about the details of the crime, including the value of the diamonds stolen, and repeatedly has postponed a joint press conference with Namibia police.
On Monday, the board said the decision to suspend its CEO, COO, and security manager was “not taken lightly,” but felt it was the right decision to prevent any questions being asked about the integrity of the investigation and the process of recovering the stolen diamonds.
“At this stage, we have no reason to suspect any Namdia employees apart from the suspect already in custody. The Namdia board has decided to take this urgent precautionary step in the business’ best interests, as well as to protect the integrity of both the executives and the investigation,” the board said.
“As we chart a course through these tragic events, the investigation and recovery process must be concluded as quickly as possible.”
The Latest

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.


Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.

The new catalogs are “Tools, Equipment, & Metals” and “Findings & Metals.”

Sapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.

The retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.

Niccolò Rossi di Montelera, executive chairman of the board, was appointed as interim CEO.

The three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.

The collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

Sponsored by Clientbook

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.