Silent Katumba dies

suicide – exactly four years after a failed bid to take his life.
He was 31.
Katumba passed away on Monday night at his home in Unit M, Chitungwiza.
His elder brother Edson said burial arrangements would be finalised after a post-mortem.
“He committed suicide at his house in Unit M. a post-mortem was supposed to have been done yesterday at Chitungwiza hospital but now we are expecting it to be done this morning,” said Edson.
At the time of his death, Silent was turning out for a lower Division One side AMC.
He is survived by wife Rumbidzai and two kids.
Mourners are gathered at his parent’s home at House number 19158 in Unit L.
Silent featured for CAPS United at the turn of millennium and was among Makepekepe players who remained in England during a tour of duty in 2005.
Elton Chimedza, Leonard Tsipa, David Sengu, Raymond Undi, Ashley Rambanapasi, Tichaona Nyenda and Artwell Mabhiza deserted CAPS United when they had gone to play an exhibition against Highlanders.
Silent was part of the CAPS United Class of 2004, which won the league title under Charles Mhlauri.
The team went on to win back-to-back titles but Silent, together with the other players, remained behind in England in September.
He returned home in 2007 together with Rambanapasi, Chimedza, Sengu and Tsipa to revive their careers.
Although his teammates found teams in the top-flight league again, the defender’s career never really took off and barely days after his return he tried to commit suicide.
Silent took rat poison and then told City.com, then a leisure pullout of The Herald, that he made an attempt on his life after failing to solve a long-standing family dispute.
Yesterday Gunners’ defender David Sengu said it was hard to believe that his long-time friend was dead.
“It came as a shock to me. I met him two weeks ago when I was going to training and he was also going to their training.
“Our friendship started when we were playing for the Under-17 and then continued at CAPS United.
“When we remained in UK we even stayed together and then he came home before me. And we have been in touch,” said Sengu.
Midfielder Rambanapasi said Silent’s death had come as a big shock.
“It is really sad. We stayed together in UK and he was a brother and a friend.
“I saw him on the day we travelled to Hwange for our first match and he was with his teammates at AMC and he even said he was working on his fitness and would return to Premiership next season,” said Rambanepasi.
CAPS United chief executive Maxwell Mironga said Silent’s death was a big loss to the Green Machine family.
“We wish his family strength during this difficult time and as our former player we will go there this evening (yesterday) and talk to the family and see how best we can help them.
“May his soul rest in peace,” said Mironga.