TEARS rolled down as mourners said their final goodbyes to former KaNyamazana All Stars Club midfielder and striker, Magnificent Nkuna, in Allandale Village outside Thulamahashe, Mpumalanga on Saturday, 18 March.
The 26-year-old was killed during a brawl outside Slow Tavern in the village on Friday, 10 March.
During the funeral service, speaker after speaker expressed great sorrow over his brutal killing.
His cousin, Dennis Mathebula (49), said Magnificent fought with two brothers and he defeated them.
But this did not go down well with the brothers and one of them allegedly came back with a knife and attacked Magnificent.
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"Magnificent hardly fought trying to defend himself against his attacker who flashed a knife. He was eventually stabbed in the thigh. Magnificent charged at him, but he vanished into thin air. The tavern entrances were full of blood.
"We rushed him to Thulamahashe Community Health Centre and he was referred to Tintswalo Hospital in Acornhoek. Unfortunately, he took his last breath shortly upon arrival at the hospital," said Dennis.
He said they have lost a giant, a cool dude and a strong man who contributed a lot to their village and Allandale Dangerous Darkies Club.
"Our prayer is that police get his killer," he said.
Tavern owner, Slow Setale, said: "I am heartbroken. His death has left a vacuum. I couldn't believe my ears when I was told the siblings fought with him and one of them stabbed him. We thought he would survive when he was rushed to hospital."
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Angry mourners said they won't rest until the killer is brought to book
"We will leave no stone unturned until we get him. He slipped through after he was cornered at a tavern in Arthurstone. He must pay for killing our precious asset for no apparent reason. We can't let criminals rule our lives, " said an angry resident.
Police spokesman, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, confirmed that Magnificent's murder happened at a tavern in Allandale Trust.
"Magnicent Nyiko Nkuna was at the tavern when an argument started between him and another man. The man allegedly stabbed Magnificent with an unknown object. He was rushed to Tintswalo Hospital where he was certified dead on arrival. The suspect is on the run and he and a relative are nowhere to be found," said Mohlala.
