Reality hitting home now, says family member at funeral of Lusikisiki massacre victim

LUSIKISIKI - One of the victims killed in a mass shooting in Eastern Cape is being laid to rest on Friday.

Ruth King was among the 18 people who were attacked during a family gathering in Lusikisiki in late September.

One person has been arrested in connection with the massacre.

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Residents have gathered at the King family home to pay their last respects to their loved one.

There was a sombre mood as Ruth's body was brought home for the last time in a brown coffin.

Mourners have braved the chilly weather to bid farewell to someone they describe as loving.

Ruth's uncle, David King, said the family is still struggling to come to terms with her death.

"Ruth was like the princess of this home. She was the only girl in the family, and our loss of Ruth is too huge, and we can't explain it. It's hitting reality now that this has happened. You know, all along it was like a dream."

The funeral service is set to get underway shortly.