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
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
AuctionsDec 24, 2025
Bonhams to Open New U.S. Flagship in NYCIn February 2026, the auction house will move its headquarters to the former Steinway Hall, a neoclassical landmark on Billionaires’ Row.
Events & AwardsDec 24, 2025
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
SourcingDec 23, 2025
Mining Titan Brian Gilbertson Dies at 82The former BHP Billiton leader and Gemfields chairman is remembered for his influential leadership throughout his 50-year mining career.
Events & AwardsDec 23, 2025
Bulgari Reimagines Costume Designers Guild AwardThe LVMH-owned brand has partnered with the costume design union to revamp its award for 2026.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
Kering to Acquire Stake in Raselli Franco GroupThe luxury titan inked a deal to acquire an initial minority stake in the jewelry manufacturer with a pathway to full ownership by 2032.
MajorsDec 23, 2025
For Future Reference Vintage Enters Bloomingdale’sThe company’s curation of unsigned vintage and estate jewelry debuted at the Bloomingdale’s in Costa Mesa, California.
EditorsDec 22, 2025
How Helzberg Is Reimagining Its StoresHelzberg’s Chief Retail Officer Mitch Maggart shared details about its tests of a new store concept rooted in an elevated luxury experience.
Recorded WebinarsDec 22, 2025
2025 Jewelry Rewind: Looking Back on an Eventful Year Jewelers of America execs and National Jeweler editors discuss tariffs, the sky-high gold price, and the engagement that broke the internet.
