Namibian Thief Swallowed 107 Rough Diamonds

A Namibian diamond thief who hid four parcels of diamonds weighing 222.64 carats by swallowing them received a four-year prison term.

Bernardo Ndiweda, a 47-year-old father of six, pleaded with the court not to be sent to prison and to receive a fine instead for stealing rough from Namdeb at Oranjemund, reportedly worth $356,000.

The court heard the stones were of high quality and included an unusually valuable stone of about 20 carats. Ndiweda admitted stealing the diamonds back in December 2000.

The diamonds were discovered in four separate parcels that were retrieved from Ndiweda's bowels after an X-ray examination at the mining company's offices showed some "foreign objects" in his bowels.

Judge Annel Silungwe told Ndiweda that because diamonds were a vital part of the Namibian economy and Namdeb played a crucial role in the country’s economy, thieves who stole from Namdeb should not be treated lightly.

Ignoring Ndiweda's plea that he should not be imprisoned because of his role as a breadwinner for his family - wife and six children ranging from three months to 19 years and including his mother and five orphaned children of deceased siblings - Judge Silungwe said Ndiweda should have taken those factors into account before stealing the diamonds.