Namibia investigates alleged diamond-related bribes
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Windhoek Observer
Namibia’s mines minister, Modestus Amutse, referred allegations of corruption and irregular diamond exports involving officials at the Namibia Diamond Trading Company and a private company to the Anti-Corruption Commission. The referral, made on 30 October, calls for an independent investigation; the state company’s chief executive, Brent Eiseb, has been placed on precautionary leave, the Windhoek Observer reports.
Namibia’s Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, referred allegations of corruption, bribery and irregular diamond exports involving public officials and a private company to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He requested an independent investigation on 30 October, according to a ministry statement dated 2 November.
The allegations, brought to light by activist Michael Amushelelo, concern, among others, Brent Eiseb, chief executive of the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), and diamond control inspector Vernosius Ndahutuka. They relate to financial benefits that allegedly enabled a company to obtain high-quality diamonds and export rough stones without local processing. The NDTC board placed Eiseb on precautionary leave during the investigation; Amutse confirmed that Ndahutuka was also under investigation.
The allegations include the use of company bank cards, the purchase of two properties in Swakopmund and the acquisition of a Volkswagen Amarok. Ndahutuka is also accused of helping other companies evade local processing requirements by declaring artificially low values for rough diamonds, which allegedly reduced state revenue. These remain allegations under investigation.
