Photos: Zambia President Michael Sata State Funeral

 

 There was a deafening wailing when the coffin came into the stadium

Zambia has held a state funeral for President Michael Sata, who died last month aged 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness in a UK hospital.

Tens of thousands of people attended the Catholic Mass at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka.
Regional leaders were amongst those who came to pay their respects. More pics after cut...



Known as "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, Mr Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011.
The country is now being run by an acting president, and fresh elections are expected in January.
'Dance with my father' The BBC's Dennis Okari in Lusaka says when the coffin of the late president was brought into the stadium there was a deafening wailing.
A moving and emotional ceremony followed, he says.

 

 Thousands queued to get a place inside Lusaka's Heroes Stadium for the funeral

 

 

The start of proceedings was delayed as the stadium filled up

 

 

 Several regional leaders also came to pay their respects

 

 

 There was a Catholic mass followed by tributes

 

 

 Michael Sata's widow spoke and was comforted during the service by Zimbabwe's first lady Grace Mugabe

One of the president's children, Gerald Sata, sang Dance with my father, written by US soul singer Luther Vandross.
His widow, Christine Sata, also spoke.
"I am not sure whether you are able to hear all the great things your people are saying about you," she said.

 "Farewell my president, go well oh my love, rest in true peace."
Over the past week, members of the public have paid their respects to their former leader - streaming past Mr Sata's body as it lay in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.
His death came days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.
He was the second Zambian president to die in office.

Source- BBC