|
I have some sad news. Last week Ranger Kalibumba, 36 years old with 8 children, was shot dead at point blank range with 5 bullets to the chest and abdomen by a member of the Congolese military. He was one of my Rangers at Museya, the patrol post that is being rebuilt at the moment and falls under my command. So what happened? Well it seems that a soldier based in Kavinyonge had a violent argument with his commander, over a suspected case of infidelity. The soldier, attempting to flee, encountered first a doctor on a motorbike, whom he shot and stole his bike. When Ranger Kalibumba attempted to intercept, he was also shot down in a cowardly and brutal fashion. The soldier then went on to kill 2 more women and injured a 3rd - all innocent bystanders. The soldier - who I can only imagine has lost all sense of reason - has yet to be caught. This once again highlights not only how fragile my country is, and how lawless - but how the military should not be in the park.
We held a solemn service for him and his family at the park headquarters in Mutsora.
19 Comments posted on "Ranger shot & killed at point blank range"
Dipesh Pabari on March 10th, 2008 at 11:23 am
My sincere condolences to the family of Kalibumba. You are your team are some of the bravest and most dedicated people I have ever met.
Pirjo,Finland on March 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am
I’m so very sorry for this utterly sad incident.. I wish that you will pass my condolances for the family who must be in shock.. Are you going to collect money for the widow and her children? Please let us know as I’m sure people want help.
sheryl, washington dc on March 10th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Dear God, Atamato. I’m so very sorry for this fine man’s death. Please let us know if you’ll collect money for his widow and children. I’m shocked at the senselessness of his death and the deaths of the others. I’m so sorry. s.
Robert Williams on March 10th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ranger Kalibumba. Please let his family, and the other rangers, know that their extended family around the world grieves with them. As Dipesh said, the dedication and bravery of the ICCN rangers is a source of great inspiration to us all. We are very humbled by all that you do.
Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FL on March 10th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Dear Atamato and to all the other Rangers, I am truly sorry for your loss. Please convey my deepest condolences to his family. My donation today is for his family. In memory of Kalibumba, a brave and decent man.
Judy in CA on March 10th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Dear Atamato,
Paula on March 10th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I am so deeply sorry to hear this horrific and tragic story. There are so many things threatening your team, this kind of attack was not one that springs to mind. Stay strong my friend. May Kalibumba rest in peace.
Christine C. on March 10th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Atamato — I am so saddened by this terrible news…sorry does not begin to convey what I think most of us are feeling for Kalibumba’s family and all of the rangers…just continue to know that everything you do inspires many others to do good as well and that his death is certainly not in vain. Please, please take care of yourself and your family and stay safe.
K.Chan on March 10th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Atamato, My deepest condolences to Kalibumba’s family and all the rangers. Please stay safe and don’t take any necessary risk.
Annie on March 10th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
So sorry to hear this…will the madness ever end??
cathy-california on March 10th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Shocking and heartbreaking. I’m speachless. I am also interested in helping his family. Will you set up a separate collection for them?
Mike on March 11th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Atamato,
Lisa, California on March 11th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Atamato, I’m sorry to hear this news regarding the death of this fine Ranger. Please extend my sympathies to his family and let them know that many people care and our thoughts are with them at this time, as well as with you and the other Rangers. Stay safe. Lisa
David R. from Paris, France. on March 17th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
With my deepest sympathy, Atamato. Please, convey my condolences to Kalibumba’s family… Take care.
Atamato on March 18th, 2008 at 12:00 am
thank you for all your support. it means a great deal. i will get back to you all soon about what we can do to help Kalibumba.
Somba on March 18th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Atamato, I join also all readers by expressing my sincerelly condolences to Kalibumba’s familly. do you still knowing that the dead Ranger was my bodyguard when we started evacuating farmers in Virunga National Parc on April 2003??? and he was the brave Ranger as Kamadidi?? C. somba
Heather on April 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
It is really discusting that someone would do that just because they don’t agree with what different people are doing. I’m so sorry for the loss to you people. :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
Heather on April 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
It is really discusting that someone would do that just because they don’t agree with what different people are doing. I’m so sorry for the loss to you people.
Heather on April 15th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
It is really discusting that someone would do that just because they don’t agree with what different people are doing. I’m so sorry for the loss to you people. Post a comment
|
|