CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond DistrictSourcingFeb 13, 2025
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.
The board of Namib Desert Diamonds has suspended CEO Alisa Amupolo, Chief Operations Officer Uahoroka Kauta, and Security Manager Paulinus Sheyapo following the Jan. 18 armed robbery at its headquarters in Windhoek, Namibia.
Windhoek, Namibia— Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, has suspended three top executives following an armed robbery at its headquarters that resulted in the shooting death of a security guard and a reported $19 million in losses.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
