Renthia Kaimbi
The widow of slain Namib Desert Diamonds (Namdia) security officer, Shirley Eiseb, says she plans to sue Namdia for more than N$4 million over her husband’s death.
The move escalates a legal dispute linked to the killing of Francis Eiseb, a senior protection officer at Namdia, who was shot dead during a diamond heist at the company’s premises in January 2025 in Windhoek.
In a letter of demand dated 18 December 2025 and addressed to Namdia’s acting chief executive officer, Lelly Usiku, Florian Beukes of Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys accused the company of negligence. The firm acts for Shirley and her two dependent children.
The letter claims Namdia breached its statutory and common law duty of care by failing to provide a safe working environment.
It alleges the company had been alerted to a possible robbery before the incident but did not take sufficient action.
“The deceased was fatally shot during a heist which took place on Namdia’s premises whilst he was protecting Namdia’s diamond inventory,” the letter states.
It argues that an armed robbery at a high-value diamond facility was foreseeable and that Namdia failed to put in place adequate security measures, protective equipment and response systems. The letter describes this as “gross negligence and wrongful omission”.
The lawyers also criticised Namdia’s initial rejection of liability, calling it “not only legally untenable but shockingly callous.”
The claim totals more than N$4 million. It includes N$2.89 million for loss of financial support, N$1 million for emotional trauma, medical aid coverage for the family, N$113 630 for university fees, and monthly allowances of N$5 000 for their daughters until they complete their undergraduate studies in about three years.
The letter states that Francis earned N$54 612 for the period from 1 January to 31 January 2025 and contributed N$35 500 to his household.
It adds that he had eight years remaining before reaching retirement age at 65.
Namdia was given until 12 January 2026 to respond to the demand.
“Should you fail to heed this demand on or before 12 January 2026, we hold instructions to institute civil action against Namdia and to prosecute the matter to the highest extent to vindicate our client and her dependents’ rights and to recover the value of damages and losses suffered by our client and her dependents as a result of Namdia’s omission and negligence,” the letter reads.
In a response dated 9 January 2026, Usiku acknowledged receipt of the letter but said Namdia’s offices were closed at the time, which delayed a formal reply.
The response said the company was “considering the contents” and would provide a detailed response later.
The letter also listed benefits due to the estate, including severance pay, leave days, pension fund benefits and an accident claim, but it did not accept liability for the damages claimed.
Shirley’s legal team said earlier correspondence from February 2025 shows that Namdia denied responsibility for his death while confirming that he [Francis] lost his life while on duty.
“Such a stance reflects a disturbing indifference to the value of human life and to the sacrifices made by employees who serve the company’s interests, especially under the dangerous conditions, as has been amply demonstrated in the case,” the letter states.
Now that the January deadline has passed and they have received no further response, Eiseb’s lawyers are proceeding with legal action.
“Our client is amenable to good faith round table discussions to amiably resolve the impending action and trusts that this matter can be resolved amicably,” Beukes wrote.
