A correctional officer was found dead on Monday in what is suspected to be a suicide.
The lifeless body of the officer, Mfanzile Mabuza, was discovered at his parental homestead in Ludzeludze.
He was reportedly found by a neighbour, sending shockwaves through the community and among his colleagues.
Mabuza, who was stationed at Ngabezweni, is said to have been commuting to and from work from his home in Ludzeludze.
Sources close to the matter said the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death pointed to a suspected suicide.
It is alleged that Mabuza may have overdosed on medication, although the exact substance involved and the official cause of his death had not been established at the time of going to print.
The sources further alleged that, before his death, Mabuza sent a text message to his wife, who was reportedly away at the time, informing her of his intention to end his life.
There was also speculation about what may have driven the 43-year-old officer to take the alleged drastic decision.
Some sources cited persistent domestic challenges as a possible contributing factor, although no official confirmation has been made linking any personal circumstances to his death.
Sources said Mabuza ordinarily lived with his immediate family at the Ludzeludze homestead.
However, he was reportedly alone at the time of the incident, as members of his immediate family had been away for some time.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane confirmed that police had received a report of the sudden death of a 43-year-old man.
She said the man was found unconscious and was subsequently taken to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, where he was certified dead.
Zwane said investigations were still underway to establish the exact cause and circumstances of the man’s death.
The death has left family members, neighbours and colleagues awaiting answers as authorities work to determine what led to the tragic incident.
