Windhoek: The Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) board has with immediate effect, terminated the employment of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alisa Amupolo, for gross negligence and gross insubordination.

According to Namibia Press Agency, NAMDIA spokesperson Beverley Coussement stated that the termination followed an independent disciplinary hearing which concluded on 23 September 2025 and found Amupolo guilty of the two charges. The disciplinary hearing commenced in November 2024 and focused on operational decisions made by Amupolo, which led to losses for the business during the periods of April to August 2023 and May to July 2024.

NAMDIA board chairperson Justus Hausiku emphasized that the decision to terminate Amupolo’s employment contract was not taken lightly. He stated that the board believes the decision is in the best interest of the company and its success in a complex, competitive, and rapidly evolving market. He also thanked Dr. Amupolo for her service since 2022 and extended well wishes for her future endeavors.

Hausiku further clarified that the termination is not related to the ongoing investigations into the diamond theft that occurred in January 2025, nor her subsequent suspension in February 2025, but rather a pre-existing disciplinary hearing. In January, suspects unlawfully entered the NAMDIA building, held staff members hostage, and stole diamonds worth N.dollars 314.9 million. Only N.dollars 40.6 million worth of diamonds were recovered, and the suspects allegedly tied up the Chief Security Officer, Francis Eiseb, and killed him, execution style.

The statement from NAMDIA also noted that Amupolo has the right to appeal the board’s decision in accordance with the company’s disciplinary policy and procedures. Meanwhile, Lelly Usiku will remain as interim CEO until a permanent appointment is made.