Senzo Meyiwa: Crowds gather for S African footballer’s funeral

Tens of thousands of people are attending the funeral of South African football captain Senzo Meyiwa in Durban.

Meyiwa, 27, was shot on Sunday, apparently after burglars entered his girlfriend’s house near Johannesburg.

A suspect appeared in court on Friday and was charged with the murder of the popular goalkeeper.

Meyiwa’s death shocked South Africa and has highlighted the high rates of violent crime in the country.

The funeral is taking place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Meyiwa’s hometown of Durban.

Many of the mourners are wearing T-shirts with a picture of Meyiwa, who was widely seen as an inspiring figure.

The funeral of another South African sporting hero, former 800m world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, will also take place on Saturday.

Mulaudzi was killed in a car accident the day before Meyiwa’s death.

Flags at half-mast

President Zuma ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast on Saturday to honour the goalkeeper.

South Africa’s domestic football league postponed a match between Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs after the death of Meyiwa.

Senzo Meyiwa was South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper

Authorities also announced that the South African national team would play their next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan in Durban.

Police said on Friday that a suspect had been identified in Meyiwa’s killing after an identity parade.

The man, named as Zanokuhle Mbatha, 25, faced charges of murder and armed robbery at a court hearing and is due to appear again on 11 November. Police had offered a reward for information on the attack.

“There are still other suspects outstanding and we appeal to the public to continue providing information in support of the investigation,” a police statement said.

Source: BBC