TSHIKUNDAMALEMA - The South African legal fraternity and the local community mourned the death of a prominent lawyer, Robert Vhulahani (35), who was assassinated by unknown gunmen on 21 January. He was buried on Friday afternoon at his home village of Tshikundamalema, north-east of Tshilamba.

As a member of the Tshikundamalema Royal House who was due to be installed as a village chief, Vhulahani was buried at Tshiendeulu (sacred burial site for members of the royal family).

Despite heavy rainfall, his funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners who included high-profile figures, traditional leaders and members of the local community. He was due to graduate with an LLM (Masters) degree in April, which he completed with Unisa in 2004.

Vhulahani matriculated at Robert Mbulungeni High School in 1988 and proceeded to the University of Venda where he completed his B Iuris degree in 1992. In 1994, he completed his LLB degree with the same institution. He worked for Khathu Mulovhedzi Attoneys, Netshifhefhe Attorneys and the Department of Justice until he started his own law firm, Vhulahani Attorneys, in 2000.

He is survived by his wife, Grace, and one-year-old son, Zwanga. He held several positions in the community, including being the secretary of the Tshikundamalema Royal Council.

During the emotional funeral, speaker after speaker condemned the brutal murder and described Vhulahani as a hardworking and dedicated lawyer and champion who strove for success and the protection of human rights. Speakers also stressed the fact that it is important to celebrate Vhulahani’s achievements, who started from humble beginnings to become a successful lawyer.

On behalf of the family of the deceased, Mr Nndivhaleni Netshipale said the family has accepted what happened although Robert’s death was a terrible blow to the community. “The murder of our child is clearly the work of evil forces but the killers will never escape the long arm of the law. We are only waiting for the police to do their job and I hope the assassins will be brought to book. As a family, we are greatly saddened by what happened and we seriously condemn the brutal murder of our son. He was not supposed to die like that, as he was very instrumental in the development of the local community.”

Pastor Khathutshelo Netshisaulu of the Bethlehem Apostolic Church conducted the sermon at home while close family members conducted the silent traditional burial at Tshiendeulu.

The family has offered a R5 000 reward to anyone who can come up with evidence that could lead to the arrest of Robert’s assassins.