Johannesburg - The Diepkloof hall was on Wednesday filled to capacity ahead of the memorial service of Karabo Mokoena.Mokoena had been missing since April 28, her disappearance becoming the subject of a social media trend as users searched for her whereabouts.
Her charred remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Lyndhurst, east of the city.
There was much singing as family, friends and members of the public waited for the memorial service to get underway.
The memorial service was set to begin at 2pm and run until 4pm.
#KaraboMokoena Diepkloof hall packed to capacity as memorial service is about to get underway. @IOL pic.twitter.com/1QPaPzzDF5
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) May 17, 2017
#KaraboMokoena more singing as family continues arriving for service. @IOL pic.twitter.com/vpSmkKeDTf
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) May 17, 2017
#KaraboMokoena Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi among those present at memorial service. @IOL pic.twitter.com/z3gdjP8HPF
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) May 17, 2017 #KaraboMokoena close family members arrive for memorial service. @IOL pic.twitter.com/3nLeyaPysV
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) May 17, 2017
#KaraboMokoena first speaker from organisation Karabo worked with shares her spiritual side. @IOL pic.twitter.com/LfIUF1BSfj
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) May 17, 2017
TV screen displaying Karabo Mokoena's life in pictures. #KaraboMemorial @IOL pic.twitter.com/zwqtcXIpUn
— Khanyisile (@Khanyi_Seele) May 17, 2017
Some of those present included members of the African National Congress as well as an artist, who drew a portrait of the late Mokoena.
Her boyfriend, Sandile Mantsoe, 27, who is a forex trader, faces charges of premeditated murder and defeating the ends of justice.
His case was postponed to May 24 for a formal bail application.
Mokoena's funeral will take place on May 19 at the Westpark Cemetery.