Zorena Jantze
THE Namibian Police are expected to make more arrests in the Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) (Pty) Ltd heist.
This was revealed in evidence opposing bail for the second suspect, Sam Shololo, who appeared this morning at the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on various charges, including murder and illegal possession of diamonds.
The suspect, who was injured during the country’s biggest diamond heist, spent about a week in the hospital under police guard. He faces charges of murder (read with the Riotous Assemblies Act), robbery, attempted murder (assault), and possession of rough and uncut diamonds.
State Prosecutor Rowan Van Wyk opposed granting bail to the suspect, citing fears that he might abscond due to the seriousness of the crime, the strength of the state’s case—given that the suspect was caught during the commission of the crime—and the fact that investigations are ongoing, with outstanding suspects still at large.
Shololo, a former soldier who appeared unfazed by the media attention, informed the court that he would apply for a legal aid lawyer. His co-accused, Joel Angula, a Namdia protection officer, appeared in court last week, facing similar charges.
Magistrate Olga Maharukua postponed the matter to 23 May 2025 for the accused to apply for legal aid and for further investigations.
