Staff Reporter
JOEL Angula (45), one of the suspects implicated in the diamond heist of Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (Namdia) in January 2025, in which diamonds worth over N$300 million were stolen, pleaded not guilty to all the charges levelled against him.
Angula faces charges of theft of diamonds or possession of uncut rough diamonds, as well as contravening sections of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) in that he allegedly disguised the unlawful origin of the diamonds found at his home.
In total, 446 diamond parcels were stolen, 13 of which were allegedly found at Angula’s house in Khomasdal. He was employed as a security officer at Namdia at the time of the robbery. It is alleged that Angula hid the diamonds found at his residence in a plastic bag.
Angula is also related to Max Endjala, one of the alleged suspects who died as a result of a gunshot to the head. In addition, Francis Eiseb, head of security at Namdia, was also gunned down while responding to the alleged robbers.
Angula, in a plea explanation, denied all allegations in the charges levelled against him. “I deny that on the date and at the place said in the charge, I unlawfully or wrongfully possessed an unknown number of diamonds with unknown mass (carats),” Angula said.
He added that he would reserve his right to call witnesses in his defence if he were to be arraigned for trial in the matter.
The State Prosecutor said the matter would be remanded to 28 November 2025 for the Prosecutor General’s decision on whether the case would stand trial based on the evidence gathered, as investigations have been finalized and with a plea tendered by Angula.
Photo: File
