CrimeJan 06, 2025
FBI Adds 2 Suspected Jewelry Thieves to Its Wanted ListCrimeJan 23, 2025
Security Guard Killed in Armed Robbery at Namibian Diamond Co.
Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, 58, was a senior protection officer for Namib Desert Diamonds, also known as Namdia, in Windhoek, Namibia.
A security guard was shot to death and an unspecified amount of diamonds were stolen in an armed robbery that happened Saturday at Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd., a diamond sales and marketing company in Windhoek, Namibia. (Photo courtesy of Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.)
Windhoek, Namibia—A senior security officer at a diamond company in the Namibian capital of Windhoek was killed over the weekend in an armed robbery.
According to a statement issued Sunday by Alisa Amupolo, CEO of Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd. (Namdia), the armed robbery happened Saturday in the early evening hours and involved four suspects.
During the robbery, the company’s senior protection officer, 58-year-old Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, was shot and killed.
The suspects fled Namdia’s facility with an unspecified amount of diamonds.
Amupolo said Sunday that one of the suspects died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, one had been arrested by police, and two were on the run and wanted by police.
On Wednesday, daily newspaper The Namibian reported that one suspect in the case has been charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of uncut diamonds and is being held without bail, while a second suspect also has been charged but has not appeared in court because he is in the hospital.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a statement issued Sunday by Alisa Amupolo, CEO of Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd. (Namdia), the armed robbery happened Saturday in the early evening hours and involved four suspects.
During the robbery, the company’s senior protection officer, 58-year-old Francis “Gosh” Eiseb, was shot and killed.
The suspects fled Namdia’s facility with an unspecified amount of diamonds.
Amupolo said Sunday that one of the suspects died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, one had been arrested by police, and two were on the run and wanted by police.
On Wednesday, daily newspaper The Namibian reported that one suspect in the case has been charged with murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of uncut diamonds and is being held without bail, while a second suspect also has been charged but has not appeared in court because he is in the hospital.
The newspaper also reported the value amount of the stolen diamonds as N$350 million (about $19 million).
A spokesperson for Namdia declined to comment on the newspaper’s report, citing the active investigation.
Amupolo said in her statement issued Sunday that a joint press conference between Namdia and the Namibian Police Force would be announced imminently.
However, in update shared via social media Wednesday, the company said the press conference has been postponed due to the ongoing investigation.
A memorial service for Eiseb is scheduled to take place today at 7 p.m. local time at the Pentecostal Protestant Church in Windhoek.
Namdia described Eiseb, who had worked for the company since 2019, as a “true Namdian gem” and a “fallen hero” who bravely and selflessly put his life on the line to protect his colleagues and Namdia’s assets.
“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Mr. Eiseb’s wife, children, grandchildren, [and] entire bereaved family and friends during this difficult time,” the company said.
Namdia described Eiseb, who had worked for the company since 2019, as a “true Namdian gem” and a “fallen hero” who bravely and selflessly put his life on the line to protect his colleagues and Namdia’s assets.
“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Mr. Eiseb’s wife, children, grandchildren, [and] entire bereaved family and friends during this difficult time,” the company said.
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
