Bloemfontein - The head of the school of medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS), was found dead in his house in Bloemfontein by Emergency Services early this morning.

UFS spokesperson, Lacea Loader said in a statement that police do not suspect foul play.

The 60-year-old professor Raymond Smego was appointed in September this year and was in the process of moving from the United States to South Africa after accepting the position for the next five years.

His wife, Mounifa, who has not yet moved to South Africa, contacted the police after she had difficulty contacting her husband. Smego is survived by seven children and three grandchildren.

"We are deeply shocked by Prof. Smego's tragic death. He has made a strong contribution to the School in the short time that he was here; he showed passion and commitment in his devotion to the School of Medicine. This is a great loss to the Faculty of Health Sciences. We express our condolences to the immediate family, relatives and friends. Ray will be sorely missed" said Prof. Gert van Zyl, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

In the words of the Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, Prof. Jonathan Jansen: “The University of the Free State has lost one of the most impressive medical science researchers, teachers and leaders in his field today. We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss of a wonderful humanitarian.”

UFS statement