Senzo Meyiwa funeral: South Africa mourns shot footballer

Senzo Meyiwa's coffin was given a guard of honour as it was escorted into the stadium

Tens of thousands of people have attended 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 took place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Meyiwa's hometown of Durban.

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

Others wore red or black replica football shirts in the colours of Meyiwa's team, Orlando Pirates.

Meyiwa's coffin was driven into the stadium, followed by Orlando Pirates players and officials. Mourners cried as videos were played showing Meyiwa training and playing football.

At the scene: Tom Burridge, BBC News, Durban

Celebrating Senzo Meyiwa's life was the main theme for the tens of thousands of fans who packed into the stands. Fans from his team, the Orlando Pirates, but also from their rivals, the Kaiser Chiefs, sung Senzo's praises - both his ability on the pitch, and his behaviour off it.

But there were also posters calling for justice for his killers, and a tougher stance from the South African authorities over gun-related violence.

Underlying everything was a sense of injustice that one of Africa's most promising football talents could be killed in such a way. The chairman of the country's football association said he hoped that this could be a "turning-point" in the long-running debate over violent crime.

And Senzo Meyiwa's father Sam told me he wanted more random searches, to cut the number of guns in South Africa. "We are no longer safe in our houses," he said.

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"The entire nation is crying. We have all lost. Our condolences to Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana," said Durban Mayor James Nxumalo, AFP reported, using a nickname for South Africa's national team.

"Our hearts are bleeding."

Flags at half-mast

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

Following Meyiwa's death, South Africa's domestic football league postponed this weekend's scheduled Johannesburg derby between Orlando Pirates and rivals Kaiser Chiefs.

The Durban stadium was also named as the venue for host South Africa's next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

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

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

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.

Father-of-three battles cancer for four years only to die in a car crash the SAME DAY he was given the all clear

A father-of-three who was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer died in a car crash on the same day he was given the all clear.

Jonno Miller, 68, was hailed by doctors as a 'miracle man' after defying the disease for four years.

He was killed last week when a lorry smashed into his car on the A30, near Tolvaddon Downs, Cornwall - before he could read the letter that told him he was cancer-free.

Mr Miller and his wife Angie, 48, were driving back to their home in Mount's Nay, near Penzance, Cornwall, last Friday when their green Ford Galaxy was in collision with an HGV lorry on a layby.

Mrs Miller, who was driving, survived the accident with minor injuries but Mr Miller, who was sitting in the front seat, was killed instantly. The lorry driver was unhurt.

Mrs Miller later arrived home to find an unopened letter from the hospital, addressed to her husband, that said his body was cancer-free.

The couple, originally from Northampton had remote Mount's Nay after Mr Miller's diagnosis because he did not want his three children and two stepchildren to see him dying.

He became a patient of specialist Dr. Harry Dalton at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske who decided to persevere with his treatment, despite his terminal diagnosis.  

Mrs Miller said: 'Jonno became known as Dr Dalton's miracle man. His team at Treliske gave me another four years of love and happiness for which I'm eternally grateful.'

The Millers' lodger and close friend Ciaran Cardell, a fisherman, said: 'He was such a genuine, nice person - he would go out of his way to help anybody.

'He was the nicest bloke I've ever met and I'm more proud than I can say to call him father - he called me son and I called him dad.

Source- Daily mail

Adamawa on fire: Boko Haram sacks police station, prison

Bala Ngilari

Fighting between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram insurgents escalated in Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba in Adamawa State on Wednesday.

Casualty figures could not be obtained as of 8pm but the development forced the state government to impose 24-hour curfew on the affected communities.

Our correspondents gathered that   Mubi, the second largest town in the state and host of two high institutions, was the worst hit.

A parent, Ahmad Sajoh, whose   daughter is studying at the Adamawa State University, said that as of 2pm on Wednesday, the police barracks in the Government Reservation Area was overrun by the insurgents while the prison in the town was blown open.

He added that   fighting which was ongoing at the army barracks caused confusion at the IDP camp in the Lamorde area of the town.

However, an online newspaper, SaharaReporters reported that Boko Haram insurgents took over the headquarters of the 234 battalion in the town.

Our correspondents gathered that the development made banks to move their cash to Yola, the state capital.

Sources told The PUNCH that insurgents   launched an attack on Uba   in the Michika-Madagali area of the state in response to sustained aerial bombardment of their hideouts by security forces.

Residents said they saw a large number of insurgents at Mararaba, a town about seven kilometres from Mubi.

Sajoh told one of our correspondents that his daughter called to inform him about the development in Mubi.

He said, “This morning, I got a call from my daughter who is a 200-level student. She was hysterical. I was in Abuja for a meeting, but her information forced me to head back to Yola immediately.

“I ordered her to leave the hostel and join her cousins to escape the town. I called my father who confirmed the story. By the time I arrived at Yola airport, the town had fallen to the insurgents.

“My parents are trapped while my daughter and her cousins are missing. We have lost contact for   six hours.”

Sajoh, who is the director of Press and Public Affairs to the former Governor Murtala Nyako, added, “Mallam Iliyasu of the Bursary Department of the state university, who is trapped in the town said by 2pm, the Police Barracks in the GRA was overrun by the insurgents, the prison was blown open while fighting was going on at the army barracks. The IDP camp at Lamorde area was thrown into confusion.

“The new rulers of the town had issued a decree banning   entry and exit to the town. Students who trooped to the motor park were stranded with most taking refuge in any house that could welcome them.

“The barracks are the least safe locations in the town. So far, there are no reported cases of killings or abductions. But fear and apprehension have taken over.”

Another source said that Mubi was currently deserted by residents after the incident, the second in three months.

The   higher institutions in the   town were forced to close down again.

There are fears of   humanitarian crisis should the town fall into the hands of the insurgents.

A fleeing resident, Joshua Gajere, said   several people might have been killed during the shootings that lasted for almost two hours in Uba and other villages.

He said, ‘‘We are in serious trouble as these boys (Boko Haram) have taken over our towns, splitting into groups and advancing towards Mararaba, Mubi and Vintim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh. They made the   Nigerian troops to retreat to Mubi’’.

Gajere added, “As I am talking to you now, residents are scampering for safety.

‘‘Mubi has now become a ghost of itself as people in their hundreds are fleeing for their lives.

‘‘Even here in Maiha, we saw military vehicles zooming off towards Yola, the state capital.’’

However, a resident from Michika, Mr. Siva Zira, told one of our correspondents that the   military was having an upper   hand as they were able to dislodge the insurgents in Michika and Uba.

Meanwhile,   Governor James Ngillari has asked the people of the state, particularly those in the affected areas to remain calm as security agents were on the top of the situation.

His Director of Press and Public Affairs,   P.P. Elisha, said   the governor met with security heads in the state to assess the situation.

He said, “It’s unfortunate with this development, His Excellency, has met with security chiefs in the state on Wednesday to assess the situation.

“People should remain calm, security agents are on the top of situation.’’

It was further gathered banks in Mubi have taken the pre-emptive steps to move out large volume of cash to the Central Bank of Nigeria in Yola.

Our correspondents could not get the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, to comment on the   hostilities as the calls to his mobile telephone line did not connect.

The government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Andrew Weyle, who announced this, advised the people to stay away from the roads and other public places.

He said,“Following the escalation of violence by the insurgents, his Excellency the Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Bala James Ngillari, has approved the imposition of 24 hours curfew on Mubi, Mararaba Mubi and Uba, with immediate effect.

“People are advised to stay off the roads and public places except those on essential services.”

It was further gathered that the insurgents   killed the son of a prominent traditional ruler in the area.

A resident, who identified himself as Kwahir Sani, said, “We fled to a village called Wuro Gude near Mubi when the violence erupted and I have lost contact with some of my children.

“As I am talking to you now, we are hearing gunshots by military in Mubi.”

It was gathered that the insurgents also attacked Askira Uba and Kukawa in Borno State for over six hours.

A fleeing resident said the terrorists killed many people, burnt many houses and carted away food stuffs.

Agence France Presse reported that the heavily armed terrorists, on arrival in Kukawa, opened fire on a police station and market, sending many fleeing

SOURCE-Punch on line

Boko Haram take over Fed. Poly Mubi, niegbourhood

Reports say the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, and other places withing the Mubi, North and South Local Government Araes of Adamawa state have been taken over by the Boko Haram Terror Group.

According to earlier reports, the Military had attempted a gun battle with the Terrorists but gave up when the battle from the terror group became fiercer.

during a conversation with a HND 2 student of the department of Business administration from the school, Vwho spoke on the grounds of annonymity, she confirmed that her sister who was still within the school premises when the Terrorists attacked the area had to flee to a bush, somewhere around the niegbourhood. "My dear, the school has been taken over. I was spared because I am at home, I stayed back, since I am already through with my project. I am so afraid. My sister said that the roots leading out of the jungle where they are hiding have also been taken over by the terrorists. Only God will save my sister and friends".  

shortly after; her sister spoke in a low tone; "We just heard gun shots and ran for our lives"
Do you know if the security forces are any where close?
"I cannot tell"
  Have you found any possible way out?
"No we fear that the whole place has been sorounded."
Federal Polytechnic Mubi, was relatively peaceful until it was attacked by the terrorists killing unsuspecting students in 2012.

100 Women: The salon helping acid attack victims

For more than a decade Musarat Misbah's beauty salon has been a refuge for women attacked by acid

By Shaimaa Khalil

Beauticians are hard at work in a high-end salon in an affluent area of Pakistan's Lahore. The sound of women's chatter and laughter is mixed with the continuous roars of hairdryers.

It is hardly a place you would associate with acid attack victims. But for more than a decade Musarat Misbah's salon has been a refuge for women who've been attacked by acid.

It started when a woman came to Musarat's salon with her face covered.

Senzo Meyiwa shooting: Suspect images released

the two intruders demanded for cell-phones and valuables

Meyiwa, 27, was reportedly shot on Sunday after burglars entered his girlfriend's house.

Police have offered a reward of 250,000 rand (£14,000; $23,000) for information about the attack.

Meyiwa's death has once again highlighted the high rates of violent crime in South Africa.

Intruders entered the house in Vosloorus, south of Johannesburg, at around 20:00 (18:00 GMT) on Sunday.

Before releasing the pictures, police had described two of the suspects: one said to be tall, dark-skinned and slender with dreadlocks; the other was said to be short, dark-skinned and well-built.

The men demanded mobile phones and valuables while a third man remained outside.

National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega told a press conference that Meyiwa was then shot once in the upper body as he moved towards the door. The three men then fled.

The footballer was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. His funeral is expected to take place on Saturday.

How violent is South Africa?

South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, has led tributes to the football captain.

"We mourn the death of this young footballer and team leader whose life has been taken away at the prime of his career," Mr Zuma said.

Team-mates have also expressed their grief.

South Africa midfielder Dean Furman told the BBC Meyiwa was "just the nicest guy you could wish to meet".

His killing has sparked outrage about crime in South Africa.

The shock was summed up by Senzo Meyiwa's team-mate Tsepo Masilela, who tweeted: "How do you kill someone for a cellphone?"

Between April 2013 and March 2014, more than 17,000 people were murdered in South Africa, an increase of about 5% over the previous year, according to police figures.

However, overall murder rates are lower than during the high points of the apartheid years.

SOURCE- BBC

School for Nazis: Parents' horror as children in German school begin greeting one another with 'Heil Hitler' and using Nazi slogans

Horrific: A photograph of one of the male students in class 9A at the Landsberg School near Leipzig, east Germany, shows him raising his right arm in a Heil Hitler salute

An entire high school class in Germany is being investigated into after the teenage pupils allegedly started greeting each other with 'Heil Hitler' and communicating in Nazi slogans.

Parents and authorities are horrified after it emerged that some of the 29 student have been swapping Nazi sayings and slogans throughout the school day on instant messaging-app WhatsApp.

Photos of 14 and 15-year-old students at a school near Leipzig in east Germany show them giving Nazi salutes and wearing Hitler moustaches.

Students in class 9A at the Landsberg Gymnasiums near Leipzig regularly made anti-Jewish slurs on the messaging app, while praising Hitler as a 'great man,' local media reports.

Photos appeared in Germany's biggest newspaper BILD on Tuesday showing individuals giving the Hitler salute: one boy who was wearing a stuck-on Hitler moustache had his face blacked out.

One of the messages from a student made a Holocaust joke that read: 'Why did Hitler kill himself? The Jews sent him the gas bill.'

Parents of students in the class are outraged following the reports, pointing out the unlikelihood that an entire class of teenagers would be involved, and that the media has been tarnishing all 29 students with the same brush.

Eli Gampel, 54, who has a son in the class, said: 'These discussions about the Nazi class from Landsberg are a load of rubbish. I thought it was a bad dream when I opened newspapers and read the article.'

Gampel, the former head of the local Halle Jewish Community, said his son had experienced harassment from someone at the school.

'My son told me that someone had stuck a far-right NPD [National Democratic Party] sticker on his jacket. It was well known it seems that he was Jewish.'

'I have made a formal complaint with police for an investigation, but on the other hand it would definitely be the wrong thing to simply accuse the entire class and tar them with the same brush.' 

He said that it seemed a massive taboo had been imposed in the class banning anybody including his son from talking about it.

He said: 'Even after I read about it, I found it difficult to get him to talk about what went on. It was only through a lengthy discussion that he admitted what was in the newspaper article was essentially true.'

A spokesman; the state educational affairs minister in Saxony-Anhalt said: 'I am shocked. If this is true there can only be one way forward here: zero tolerance!'

The WhatsApp exchanges have been handed over to police and prosecutors.

The school headmaster Lutz Feudel said the entire school had been shocked about the secret Nazi sympathisers which he said were confined to one class.

He added  that getting to the bottom of how it happened was difficult because the autumn break had already started.

He said that the parents of two of the children had been invited to a discussion together with their children, but that a third who they wanted to speak to was on holiday in Spain with their parents.

He added that he did not want to instantly accuse the children, saying: 'Breaking taboos is part of young adulthood. I don't believe that they wanted to actively promote neo-Nazi ideology.'

Any public display of Nazi symbols, salutes or phrases is a strictly forbidden act in modern-day Germany which can carry a first offence penalty of up to six months in jail.

All the class students, like all children in Germany, have visited a Nazi concentration camp and regularly learn about the excesses of the Third Reich in classes.

Police said two teenagers are under investigation while a more extensive probe gets underway next week when the school reopens after the half-term break.

Media reports said a psychologist has been arranged to meet with the children, teachers and their parents next week to try to get to the bottom of the fascination with Nazism.

Neo-Nazi groups significantly stepped up their recruitment of children in recent years.

The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern near Berlin has started carrying out background checks on would-be kindergarten employees after it was discovered several had been infiltrated by far-right females.
SOURCE- Daily Mail