Thousands of people were crying today as South Africans said farewell to murdered national team goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa at a packed stadium in Meyiwa’s hometown of Durban.
South Africa has been in mourning for the past week after the popular national team player and captain was shot dead during a botched robbery at his girlfriend’s home last Sunday. A suspect appeared in court on Friday and was charged with the murder of the popular goalkeeper.
The 27-year-old’s flag-draped coffin was carried into the stadium by his team-mates and across the pitch by members of the South African Police as the memorial service got underway.
Team mates and mourners wiped away tears as they watched video clips showing father of three Meyiwa training, diving to make saves, or pumping his arms in celebration of a win.
The funeral was attended by Meyiwa’s widow, politicians, footballers, celebrities and members of the general public who wished to pay their respects to the much-loved player.
Meyiwa had captained South Africa in their first four African Nations Cup qualifiers over the last two months without conceding a goal. His death shocked South Africa and has highlighted the high rates of violent crime in the country.
Police officers place Senzo Meyiwa’s coffin, draped in the South African national flag, at the centre of the pitch
A picture taken in January 2013 shows South Africa President Jacob Zuma (left) posing with Senzo Meyiwa during his visit to the national team in Soweto
Orlando Pirates players stand in a line and pay their respects to their goalkeeper and captain at today’s funeral
Mourners hold a poster calling for justice, while next to it a scarf of Meyiwa’s club Orlando Pirates is held aloft
Fans of football club Orlando Pirates celebrate the life of Meyiwa, who was the team’s goalkeeper
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