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
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
Weekly QuizJun 12, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 18, 2025
Alex Brown Named President of Smithee GroupFounder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.
EditorsJun 17, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 1Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 of her favorite pieces from the jewelry collections that debuted at Couture.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
ColumnistsJun 17, 2025
Peter Smith: Is Your Comp Plan a Hiring Hindrance?If you want to attract good salespeople and generate a stream of “sleeping money” for your jewelry store, then you are going to have to pay.
AuctionsJun 17, 2025
Colored Gemstones, Signed Jewels Shine in Sotheby’s High Jewelry SaleThe top lot was a colorless Graff diamond, followed by a Burmese ruby necklace by Marcus & Co.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Amanda Gizzi Gets a Promotion at JAGizzi, who has been in the industry since 2001, is now Jewelers of America’s senior vice president of corporate affairs.
MajorsJun 17, 2025
Kering Names Automotive Exec as Its New CEOLuca de Meo, a 30-year veteran of the auto industry, will succeed longtime CEO François-Henri Pinault.
EditorsJun 16, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Mining, Tariffs, and the Energy of Las VegasFollowing visits to Vegas and New York, Botswana’s minerals minister sat down with Michelle Graff to discuss the state of the diamond market.
IndependentsJun 16, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Commitment Campaign Celebrating LGBTQ+ CouplesThe “Your Love Has the Perfect Ring” campaign showcases the strength of love and need for inclusivity and representation, the jeweler said.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Ivette Nersesyan-Stephanopoulos Joins Tiffany & Co.The former De Beers executive is the jewelry house’s new director of high jewelry for the Americas.
MajorsJun 16, 2025
Catbird Names WNBA Star Nyara Sabally as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe New York Liberty forward is the first athlete to represent the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand.
CollectionsJun 13, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s Pear EarringsTake a bite out of the 14-karat yellow gold “Fruits of Love Pear” earrings featuring peridots, diamond stems, and tsavorite leaves.
Events & AwardsJun 13, 2025
AGA to Host ‘Diamonds From Mine to Market’ Education ConferenceThe one-day virtual event will feature speakers from De Beers, GIA, and Gemworld International.
EditorsJun 12, 2025
15 Questions With Jewelry Photographer Ella SophieThe California-based creative talks jewelry photography in the modern era and tackles FAQs about working with a pro for the first time.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Vintage Patek Philippe From the ‘50s Sells for $4M at Sotheby’s Al Capone’s pocket watch also found a buyer, though it went for less than half of what it did at auction four years ago.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2025
Gabriel Love Foundation Introduces Scholarship Honoring Elias GabrielThe foundation has also expanded its “Stronger Together” initiative with Jewelers for Children.
AuctionsJun 12, 2025
Former De Beers Exec Celine Assimon Joins BonhamsAssimon is the auction house’s new chief commercial officer.
EditorsJun 11, 2025
Q&A: Al Cook on Differentiating Natural Diamonds, Traceability, and TariffsThe De Beers Group CEO discusses the company’s new “beacon” program, the likelihood diamonds will be exempt from tariffs, and “Origin.”
MajorsJun 11, 2025
Pandora Bets on Las Vegas for First North American FlagshipThe Danish jewelry giant hosted its grand opening last weekend, complete with a Pandora pink roulette wheel.
GradingJun 11, 2025
Tiffany Stevens Exits IGI, Lab Appoints New Board LeaderIndustry veteran Anoop Mehta is the new chairman and independent director of the IGI board.
Events & AwardsJun 11, 2025
Kering Announces Winners of Sustainability-Focused AwardThe winners of the inaugural “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” are student Lee Min Seo and China-based startup Ianyan.
SourcingJun 10, 2025
De Beers Turns to Brown, Yellow Diamonds for New ‘Beacon’“Ombré Desert Diamonds” will emphasize cream-, champagne-, and brown-colored diamonds, shades that set natural stones apart from lab grown.
