Allexer Namundjembo
National squash player and local financial firm auditor Max Endjala was found wounded at the scene of the violent diamond heist at Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) on Saturday.
Endjala, Namibia’s number-one men’s squash player for several years, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Endjala represented Namibia at the South African Country Districts squash tournament in Limpopo, South Africa, in May last year.
According to authorities, Endjala is suspected to have attempted suicide as law enforcement moved in to apprehend suspected robbers involved in the heist.
His connection to the robbery remains under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
NamPol deputy inspector general of operations Elias Mutota confirmed the arrest of a Namdia security officer related to Endjala.
One suspect is in police custody, while two others remain at large.
Residents living near the Namdia premises reported seeing a black Mercedes with an Angolan license plate speeding away from the scene after the gunshots rang out.
The violent heist, which took place at Namdia’s Windhoek premises on Saturday evening, claimed the life of 57-year-old senior protection officer Francois Eiseb.
Four armed suspects stormed the facility, holding employees hostage at gunpoint.
The robbers tied up staff members and stole an undisclosed quantity of diamonds.
Eiseb was found in a storeroom with his hands and legs bound, his face covered with a shopping bag, and a gunshot wound to the head.
Former Namdia CEO Kennedy Hamutenya expressed deep sorrow over Eiseb’s death, calling it a tragic and senseless loss.
“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,” said Hamutenya.
He recalled the late security chief as one of the most dedicated employees he had ever worked with.
Hamutenya characterised Eiseb as a diligent and dedicated person who frequently exceeded his assigned responsibilities.
“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.
Eiseb joined Namdia in February 2019 and was praised for his professionalism and dedication.
Namdia’s CEO, Alisa Amupolo, commended Eiseb’s bravery.
“Mr Eiseb valiantly and bravely defended and attempted to fend off the robbers, which led to the tragic loss of his life while on duty,” she said.
The Mine Workers Union has also expressed a deep sorrow over the death of Eiseb.
MUN said Eiseb served as the chairperson of the NAMDIA branch.
“His dedication and commitment leave a permanent mark on our organisation and on all those who had the honour of working with him,” MUN writes.
Police urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of other suspects or the incident itself to contact Chief Inspector Olivier at +264 81 421 0903 or Chief Inspector Simeon Nghilalulwa at 081 256 0988.
