Pretoria - Hundreds of people have turned out to pay their respects at the funeral service for five children who were killed when a high light-mast fell on them while they were playing on Saturday.
The community hall in Soshanguve Block X is packed to the rafters with family, friends and school children. Also in attendance is Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Acting Tshwane mayor Brink Cilliers, ANC regional chairperson Kgosientso Ramokgopa and various other councilors.
Video: Sakhile Ndlazi
The morning got off to a rowdy start when from the early morning there was tension among ANC and EFF members regarding the seating arrangements and who should be allowed into hall.
Picture: Sakhile Ndlazi
People were pushing and shoving to get in side the hall. A tent has also been erected outside the hall for alternative seating.
Five caskets are lined up in front of the stage with photos of the deceased next to them.
Picture: Sakhile Ndlazi
Some school children and members of the community could hardly hold back their tears as the caskets were ushered in. Family members broke down with looks of disbelief.
Picture: Sakhile Ndlazi
Last Saturday seven children were playing under the vandalised light structure on Saturday when the bulbs dislodged and came crashing down on them. Four of the children died on the scene and the fifth died in hospital. The other two children were seriously injured and still recovering in hospital.
The children were aged between six to 12 years.
The community blamed thieves for dismantling the cables, causing the bulbs to fall.