Thousands of people are paying their last respects to slain Tshwane Metro police officer Ntshimane Johannes Mogale.

Mogale beaten to death allegedly by Blue Bulls prop Bees Roux last week.

His funeral service is being held at the Shakung Village in the North West.

Thousands descended on the dusty village of Shakung as of Mogale got underway. Tshwane Metro police officers have arrived in their numbers with their motorbikes and other duty vehicles lining the gravel road leading to the family home.

Mogale has been hailed as a martyr at his home village with religious leaders saying the alleged attack on him was a racist one.

Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa was also at the funeral service. She was calm as she said police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Mogale’s death.

He will be laid to rest later on Saturday.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)