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Namdia diamond heist: Inside job suspected as police investigate N$1-billion theft

The police are treating the theft of diamonds worth about N$1 billion at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) in Windhoek on Saturday as an inside job.

The heist claimed the lives of Namdia security chief Francis Eiseb and suspect Max Endjala.

Sources yesterday revealed the estimated value of the stolen diamonds to The Namibian.

Deputy inspector general Elias Mutota yesterday confirmed that one of the detained suspects is a security officer at Namdia.

“We believe the one suspect currently detained is a security officer at Namdia and was on duty when the incident happened,” he said.

He said the police are still investigating the matter to determine the actual value of the diamonds stolen.

“They are still busy counting and auditing how much was stolen and … investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Mutota said there may be more than four suspects.

“We still need to find the remaining suspects,” he said.

Max Endjala

EX-COP NOW SUSPECT

Sources say one of the two arrested suspects, who is allegedly a former police officer and a current Namdia employee, is also alleged to be a cousin of the suspect who took his life during the heist, Max Endjala.

“It is suspected that he [the cousin] brought the suspects inside …

“They got away with more than a billion Namibia dollars. He was even on duty yesterday and he was arrested when he brought the suspects,” the sources said.

Sources also told The Namibian that this man allegedly gave the robbers full access to the building.

A formal police docket has been registered, involving charges of armed robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

The heist left Namdia’s senior security officer Francis ‘Gosh’ Eiseb (57) dead, while more suspects are currently on the run and two are in police custody.

Namdia’s chief executive, Alisa Amupolo, in a statement said the company is cooperating with the police.

She said Eiseb lost his life while on duty.

“Eiseb valiantly and bravely defended and attempted to fend off the robbers, which led to the tragic loss of his life while on duty. We extend our most heartfelt and deepest condolences to Eiseb’s wife, children, grandchildren and the entire bereaved family.

“He has been with Namdia since February 2019,” she said.

Alisa Amupolo

TOP SQUASH PLAYER

Endjala died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while his alleged cousin is currently in police custody.

Endjala was ranked the 831st best squash player in the world and ranked number four in Namibia.

Some of his biggest achievements include winning the Nashua Open in 2015, 2018 and 2019, the Alexander Forbes Open and the FNB Coastal Open in 2015, as well as the Wanderers Mixed Doubles with Lida-Marie Calitz and the Supertronix Mixed Doubles with Adri Lambert in 2017.

He was also part of Trustco Group Holdings’ forensic investigations unit.
When asked about the Endjala’s alleged cousin, Namdia spokesperson Beverly Coussement yesterday said the company would address the matter at a press conference soon.

“A joint media conference with the Namibian Police will be held soon to address any questions you may have and to provide further clarity as the situation unfolds,” she said.

FALSE INFORMATION

Amupolo has urged Namibians to stop spreading false information on the incident.

“Namdia is aware of the circulation of inaccurate reports on social media regarding the recent tragic incident at our premises.

These misleading accounts are causing confusion and misinformation.

“We remain committed to collaborating with the Namibian Police to provide the public with accurate and verified updates,” she said.

Despite sources confirming the value of the diamonds stolen, Amupolo said this is yet to be determined.

“We encourage anyone with information that could assist in the capture of the remaining suspects to come forward and contact the Namibian Police immediately.

“Namdia remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its staff and operations. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that this unfortunate incident receives all the necessary resources required to resolve the case,” she said.

Former Namdia chief executive Kennedy Hamutenya pays tribute to Francois Eiseb

HAMUTENYA PAYS TRIBUTE

Former Namdia chief executive Kennedy Hamutenya has taken to social media to pay tribute to Eiseb.

Hamutenya, who has also served as a diamond commissioner before, said Eiseb was a dedicated employee during his tenure.

“It’s very hard to comprehend this senseless cold-blooded murder of a husband and a father. A man who was at work busy so he could educate his children, put food on the table and provide shelter and security for his family. Yesterday his life was unceremoniously taken away from him,” he posted.

“When I was at the helm at Namdia, Francis was second only to Clarky McKay and was chief of security at his passing. He was one of the most hard-working and committed employees who would perform above and beyond the call of duty.

“He’d even volunteer to drive clients to and from the airport to ensure their safety. He was kind and cordial to all other colleagues and was full of respect,” Hamutenya said.

The former chief executive said he had kept in contact with Eiseb after his tenure.

“I spoke to him to wish him a merry Christmas. And he called to wish me and my family happy new year on the first. He was a kind man. He was a gentleman.

“Rest in perfect peace, my brother Francis Eiseb. May the Lord have mercy on your soul,” he posted.

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