Namdia heist: 8 now arrested, no sight of stolen diamonds

Namibian Police deputy chief inspector Elias Mutota has confirmed the arrest of three more suspects - George Cloete, Charmaine Cloete, and Bino Cloete - in connection with the N$314.9 million Namdia diamond heist in January.The latest arrests of the three in Keetmanshoop bring the number of suspects to eight. Media reports yesterday afternoon suggested an imminent arrest of another Namdia security officer.The Keetmanshoop trio appeared in the local magistrate’s court today charged under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Diamond Act. Their case was postponed to 7 August for further police investigation. Back in April, two alleged associates of jailed ex-soldier Sam Shololo were arrested in the same town, raising the arrest tally to five at the time. These figures do not yet include G4S security guard Samuel Shipanga (33), who appeared on a theft charge in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on 10 April. He remains in custody after being denied bail. Shipanga, arrested in Ondangwa earlier that month, is accused of abusing his insider access during the 18 January heist that left two people dead. Despite these arrests, diamonds worth N$274.3 million remain missing. Namibian and South African authorities continue investigating the international smuggling network tied to the stolen gems.ELIZABETH KHEIBES

Namdia heist: 8 now arrested, no sight of stolen diamonds

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-08

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Namdia heist: 8 now arrested, no sight of stolen diamonds

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-08

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