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Fans flock in for Meyiwa funeral

Durban - Scores of soccer supporters arrived at the Moses Mabhida Stadium here on Saturday to attend the funeral of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa.

Wearing sport regalia, and mostly in Orlando Pirates colours, they sang and danced as they waited for the gates to the stadium to open.

Meyiwa also captained Orlando Pirates.

Vuvuzelas and drums accompanied the singing.

Orlando Pirates flags and banners written 'Rest in peace Senzo Meyiwa' were held up high.

The gloomy weather did not deter the highly spirited supporters who were determined to bid farewell to their captain.

Meyiwa was shot and killed on Sunday evening in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni while visiting his singer girlfriend Kelly Khumalo. Two men allegedly entered the house demanding cellphones and shot him before fleeing.

A man appeared in court on Friday in connection with Meyiwa's murder. Police said he was identified in an identity parade.

Gauteng police said they had questioned many people as they tried to bring to book the men behind Meyiwa's death.

"Since the beginning of the week, we have questioned a number of people in connection with the killing of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates keeper, Senzo Meyiwa," Brigadier Neville Malila said on Friday.

"Yesterday, after receiving very positive information about a number of suspects, we conducted an identity parade during which some of the witnesses positively identified one person."

The 25-year-old Vosloorus resident, Zenokuhle Mbatha, was arrested and charged on the basis of the positive identification, Malila said.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Mbatha would appear in court again on November 11 where he was expected to apply for legal aid.

Ntsakiso Kubayi took a bus from Johannesburg to Durban to bid Meyiwa farewell. He said Meyiwa was his inspiration.

"I'm here to pay my last tribute to Meyiwa. He inspired me a lot. Everytime we were at the stadium he would tell us to cheer up. For me he was Orlando Pirates. I have lost a legend, the greatest footballer in South Africa," he said.

"The things he used to do during games, he would gunner the supporters to cheer up with his actions... I have lost someone so important."

Kubayi said Meyiwa's death was not only a loss for Orlando Pirates but the nation as a whole.

"It is a great loss to South Africa as a nation. He was a leader for both teams and they will have to work hard to replace him and find continuity," he said.

Fans were handed out t-shirts with Meyiwa's face and written 'We will never forget you'.

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