Namdia heist suspect denied bail

WINDHOEK, 21 JAN (NAMPA) - Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) security officer, Joel Angula, was denied bail by the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court for his alleged involvement in the diamond heist that took place on Saturday, leaving two dead.
The 45-year-old Angula briefly appeared before Magistrate Olga Muharukua and had his rights to a formal bail application explained.
The State, represented by Rowan van Wyk, is objecting to the bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge, the strength of the State’s case against him, fear of interfering with witnesses, the administration of justice and public interest.
Muharukua, however explained Angula’s rights to a formal bail application.
Angula and four other suspects allegedly unlawfully entered the Namdia building in Windhoek, held staff members hostage, and stole an undisclosed number of diamonds. The suspects also allegedly tied up the Chief Security Officer, Francis Eiseb and killed him.
One of the suspects, Max Endjala, reportedly turned a gun on himself as police officers closed in on him. Another suspect, 45-year-old Sam Shololo, was reportedly injured during a shoot-out with police officers and is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital under police guard.
The police have reported that two other suspects fled the scene and are still on the run, with the stolen diamonds. The Deputy Inspector General, Elias Motata, has however informed this agency that some of the diamonds in the matter were recovered.
Collectively, the suspects face five charges, namely murder read with section 18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, Act 17 of 1986; robbery read with Section 18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, Act 17 of 1986; two counts of attempted murder, and possession of rough and uncut diamonds. The matter was postponed to 23 May 2024 to allow for further police investigations.
(NAMPA)
EB/AS/HP