Former Debswana Head Nchindo Found Dead

Nchindo, above, was once one of the most influential people in Botswana. He apparently committed suicide on the eve of his corruption trial

Louis Goodwill Nchindo, the former head of Debswana, has been found dead four days after his disappearance, his family said Thursday. Nchindo, who had been facing corruption charges, was found 65 feet away from his pick-up truck at Masedi Farms in Botswana.

Police spokesman Dipheko Mothube said that a pair of shoes and a gun was found at the scene. Many are speculating that Nchindo’s death was a suicide.

Nchindo served as managing director of Debswana Diamond Co. from 1998 to 2007. His name recently returned to the public’s attention when he was accused of corruption while heading Debswana. Nchindo was due to face 36 corruption charges on April 6.

Besides Nchindo, his son Garvas and former Debswana employees Joseph Matome and Jacob Sesinyi, are also facing the corruption charges.

Debswana spokeswoman Amilia Malebane declined to comment, citing the family’s request for privacy. The company will offer its condolences once funeral arrangements have been announced, she said.

Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers and Botswana, accounts for about a fifth of the global diamond output.