"Selfless" Security Boss Killed in Namdia Diamond Heist
January 21, 25
(IDEX Online) - A security supervisor died in an armed raid at Namdia, Namibia's state-run diamond marketing company, as it prepared to sell its largest ever consignment.
In a statement Namdia (Namib Desert Diamonds) paid tribute to Francis "Gosh" Eiseb, aged 57, saying he "bravely and selflessly confronted danger in the line of duty, tragically losing his life while protecting his fellow colleagues and Namdia's assets".
He was found dead in a storeroom after the heist on Saturday afternoon (18 January) at the company's premises in Windhoek.
Another man, a suspect in the raid named as Max Endjala, suffered gunshot wounds and died later of his injuries.
The raiders tied up a number of Namdia employees while they stole diamonds, according to police.
The company was reportedly preparing for its first sale of the year, with goods valued at $17m (N$318m). The raiders stole some diamonds, but it is not clear how many.
National police spokesperson, deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi said: "On Saturday, 18 January 2025, between 17h00 and 18h00, it is alleged that four armed suspects with firearms unlawfully and intentionally entered Namdia's premises. The police do not know how the suspects got access to the premises.
"It is alleged that an exchange of fire occurred between suspects and security personnel of Namdia."
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the raid. Police say one worked in the company's security department.
Pic of Francis "Gosh" Eiseb courtesy Namdia.