Allexer Namundjembo
The leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, accused the government of avoiding accountability in the Namdia diamond heist that took place on 18 January by hiding behind the fact that the matter is “sub judice”.
During the parliament session on Tuesday, Venaani demanded answers from Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on the matter.
“Government must come forward and tell us what is happening with the case. The government must tell us how far along the case is because they cannot be hiding behind “sub judice” when the resources of our country are being stolen in broad daylight, and nobody is held accountable. Where are we? What is happening?’’ Venaani asked.
He criticised the lack of transparency on the government’s side.
“The heist that took place in broad daylight is a matter of national concern, yet the government is not pronouncing itself on the matter. Diamonds were stolen, and we did not know the value of the stolen diamonds, whether it’s a billion dollars, half a billion, or N$350 million,” Venaani said.
Both the police and Namdia have cancelled media briefings about the matter on several occasions.
In the last communication, Namdia and the police both said there would be a media conference that never happened.
In response, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila advised following parliamentary procedures by putting his questions in writing.
“I cannot understand how Venaani has been attending the parliamentary sessions all those years and he did not give any notice of questions. All of a sudden he asked his question today,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said.
She explained the importance of providing written updates for future reference.
“I want to agree with him that it is a concerning development, and the concern is shared with the government, and the line ministry and the police are all aware of the concern that there should be a constant briefing, and the briefing will inspire us to trust that our resources are properly secured. I cannot give an oral response to this,” she added.
The robbery, which resulted in two fatalities, has left the public eagerly awaiting more information.
However, the lack of updates has led to increased speculation and frustration, as authorities remain tight-lipped about key aspects of the investigation.
A story published in The Issue last week reported that a senior government official briefed on the investigations told the publication that the police are still investigating the whereabouts of 453 unpolished diamond parcels worth approximately N$295 million, which can still not be accounted for after the robbery.
