Namdia robbers targeted N$700m diamond transaction

Suspected robbers, including an ex-soldier and a former police officer, who were arrested in connection with the robbery of diamonds at Namdia on Saturday were allegedly targeting a huge consignment of diamonds, allegedly worth about N$700 million, that the company was scheduled to sell today to an international client. The attempted heist resulted in the deaths of Namdia security supervisor Francis Eiseb, whose body was found in a storeroom with a gunshot wound to his head, and Max Endjala, one of the suspects, who reportedly took his own life as police closed in. Another suspect was injured and is currently under police guard at Katutura State Hospital. Authorities are still searching for two suspects who fled the scene.Insider linksEndjala, who previously worked as the head of security at Trustco before becoming an internal auditor at the same company, was allegedly working with his cousin, Joel Angula, a Namdia security officer on duty during the robbery. Angula, a former police officer, was arrested yesterday afternoon following extensive interrogation. The suspect injured and arrested at the scene is reportedly a former member of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).According to a source close to the investigation, the robbery was meticulously planned, with the suspects aware of the high-value consignment. "Namdia was preparing for a significant sale scheduled for Monday [today]. The reason why so many employees were working late on Saturday was to finalise preparations for the big sale on Monday,” the source said.The source added that many diamonds were dropped in the parking area as robbers fled, and the arrested suspect was caught with diamonds in his mouth.Scene of the crimePolice spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed that Eiseb’s body was found in a storeroom, with his hands and legs tied, his face covered with a shopping bag, and a gunshot wound to his head. Shikwambi dismissed earlier speculations of suicide, emphasizing that an autopsy would determine the cause of death.Four firearms and knives were recovered at the scene—two belonging to the suspects and two to the victims. The value of the diamonds stolen by the suspects who escaped remains undisclosed.Namdia released a brief statement on Saturday night, promising a comprehensive update as investigations progress. A joint press conference between Namdia and the police is expected this week to reflect further on the incident.

Namdia robbers targeted N$700m diamond transaction

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-21

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Namdia robbers targeted N$700m diamond transaction

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-21

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