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.

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.
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.
The Latest

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.


Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.

Longtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.

First-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.

The limited-edition collection, a nod to the Year of the Snake, is Ukrainian brand Guzema’s first partnership with a U.S. brand.

After more than 50 years, Jeff Roberts is handing over ownership of the organization to IJO President Stephen Barnes.

Senior Jeweler Jay Wolff was named employee of the year.

The 111-year-old store will close following a dispute among Saks Global, a landlord, and the City of Dallas over a small piece of land.

The upcoming “Area_51” watch sale is a collaboration with heist-out, featuring vintage and modern timepieces with futuristic designs.

The trade organization, which will mark 120 years of service next year, has a refined focus and a new mission statement.

The application period is now open for established and emerging jewelers and metalsmiths to apply to the month-long residency program.

Manashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.

The March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.

Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.

From Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.

Originally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”

The recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.