South Africa’s last farewell to slain football captain

South Africans turned out in huge numbers in Durban on Saturday for the funeral of national football captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, who was murdered last weekend. Meyiwa, who had just turned 27, was gunned down by an intruder while visiting his pop star girlfriend south-east of Johannesburg. Family and friends were joined by government members and the top names in South African football among a crowd of 30,000 at the funeral ceremony at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, broadcast live on television.

Death is a thief that has stolen a bright shining light from the nation. The entire nation is crying. We have all lost.

Durban mayor James Nxumalo

The crowd fell silent and many wept as Meyiwa’s coffin, shrouded in the national flag, was driven into the stadium in a white SUV, followed by members of his club the Orlando Pirates and top officials. He was to be buried in the afternoon at the Heroes Acre at Chesterville cemetery, which is usually reserved for martyrs of the struggle against apartheid. A 25-year old man, Zenokuhle Mbatha, was charged Friday with murder and armed robbery in connection with his killing, after being identified by witnesses.

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