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
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
CollectionsNov 24, 2025
Muse Debuts a Wicked 'Have a Heart x Cynthia Erivo' SequelThe second drop, which includes more Elphaba-inspired pieces from additional designers, will continue to benefit nonprofit Dreams of Hope.
IndependentsNov 24, 2025
J.R. Dunn Jewelers Names New PresidentSecond-generation jeweler Sean Dunn has taken on the role.
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
