A significant armed robbery occurred at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of the company’s senior protection officer, Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, and the theft of diamonds estimated to be worth N$1 billion.
Namdia, owned by the Namibian government, is responsible for the sales and marketing of diamonds sourced through its partnership with Namdeb, a joint venture with De Beers.
The heist involved at least four suspects, one of whom died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two suspects are in police custody, including a Namdia security officer, while others remain at large.
Inside Job Suspected
Namibian authorities believe the robbery was facilitated by an insider, with one of the arrested suspects identified as a Namdia security officer who was on duty during the incident. Deputy Inspector General Elias Mutota confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact value of the stolen diamonds and the total number of individuals involved.
Sources suggest the detained security officer, who is allegedly a former police officer and related to one of the robbers, provided the perpetrators with access to Namdia’s premises. A formal docket has been opened, with charges of armed robbery and murder filed against the suspects.
Security Implications for the Industry
The robbery highlights vulnerabilities in security protocols within diamond and jewellery businesses. Former Namibian Police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga emphasised the need for more proactive measures, noting that criminals often exploit weak points in security systems.
Jewellers and related businesses are encouraged to prioritise thorough vetting processes, advanced security measures, and close cooperation with law enforcement to address potential vulnerabilities.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
Namdia and the Namibian Police plan to hold a joint media briefing to provide updates. The company has asked the public to report any leads and avoid sharing unverified information.
