Young promising detective kills himself

Crime fighting in Limpopo has been dealt a severe blow, following the death of a young and promising detective in Vuwani.

D/Insp Lufuno Ramabulana (42) of Ha Ramukhuba, who was stationed at the Vuwani police station, was found dead in his bathroom on Sunday morning.

He had apparently committed suicide by shooting himself with his service pistol. He had a gunshot wound to the head.

His elder brother, who is also the local chief, Khosi Vho Wilson Ramabulana, said they were attending a funeral at the local cemetery when somebody from the community came running and told them that the sound of a firearm had been heard from his brother's house. "The wife of the deceased and some members of the community rushed back home, only to be greeted by the gruesome scene," he said.

Ramabulana said they could not believe what they saw as there was blood all over the bathroom and his brother's body was lying next to his service pistol. "This surprised us, as he did not show any signs of stress and he only told his wife that he was tired and would not attend the funeral," Ramabulana said.

"We are really saddened; we are left in the dark as he left no note. He showed no signs of stress and never complained about anything," said his brother.

He said the family was still expecting many good things from him as he was still young and his career was starting to blossom. "We were very proud of his achievements and his death has left a big void in the family. He will be sorely missed," he said.

Insp Elijah Malatjie, spokesperson for the Vuwani, police said it was sad to lose a member of Ramabulana's caliber. "He was a hard worker and served as an example to others. His death has dealt us a serious blow; he was dedicated to his work and, through him, we had many successes in detecting crime in the area," he said. Malatjie urged all members with problems to please seek professional help that is available in the police service.

"We have lost a good and dedicated crime buster and we sincerely send our condolences to his family and wish them well in their time of bereavement," he said.

Ramabulana made headlines last year when he cracked a case involving a gang rape and robbery and arrested three suspects. He was hailed as a hero after the three suspects received life sentences.

Ramabulana joined the police services in 1994. He is survived by his wife and three children. He will be buried on Saturday.