Namibia Desert Diamonds (Namdia) says its fallen former senior protection officer Francis Eiseb “valiantly and bravely” defended Namdia diamonds as he attempted to fend off robbers over the weekend.

This tragically led to Eiseb being killed on duty by the robbers.

“We extend our most heartfelt and deepest condolences to Mr Eiseb’s wife, children, grandchildren and entire bereaved family,” read a statement issued by Namdia chief executive officer Alisa Amupolo.

In its latest media statement, Namdia also confirmed the incident which took place at its premises in the early evening hours of Saturday as an “armed robbery”, and not an “attempted armed robbery” as previously stated. As such, a formal Namibian Police docket has been registered under charges of armed robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

Speculation is rife that the robbery was an inside job as the perpetrators had extensive knowledge of the layout of the Namdia premises, as well as thorough intelligence of the company’s safety processes and procedures.

Meanwhile, Amupolo stated that Namdia is aware of the circulation of inaccurate reports on social media regarding the robbery at its 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 noted.

She added that given the sensitive nature of the incident, Namdia is dedicated to ensuring all information shared is thoroughly verified by the investigating authorities, and does not compromise the ongoing investigations.

“Our priority is to keep stakeholders informed responsibly and transparently, with a focus on our staff members’ safety and well-being during this tragic time,” Amupolo said.

She urged members of the public to sympathise with the bereaved family and Namdia staff, who have been deeply traumatised by this incident, and also urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, and to only rely on official updates and from law-enforcement authorities.

“Additionally, we encourage anyone with information that could assist in the capture of the two remaining suspects (still on the run) to come forward and contact the Namibian Police immediately,” Amupolo pleaded.

“We are working closely with law- enforcement to ensure this unfortunate incident receives all the necessary resources required to resolve the case,” she said.

While the exact value of the diamonds stolen in the robbery on Saturday has not yet been confirmed, this figure is expected to be confirmed once Namdia has concluded its reconciliation. A joint media briefing in this regard between Namdia and the Namibian Police is expected soon.

Meanwhile, Trustco Group Holdings will be flying its corporate flag at half-mast for the next five days in honour of its deceased employee, Max Endjala.

He died on Saturday during the robbery at state diamond-marketing company. It is reported that Endjala shot himself as the police closed in on the robbers, and died from the bullet wound.

Explaining the company’s tradition, Trustco spokesperson Neville Basson told a local outlet that it is customary for them to do that.

“It is tradition within the group to fly our Trustco flags at half-mast on the death of any staff member for a five-day period,” he was quoted as saying.

ebrandt@nepc.com.na