Thousands Wait to Pay Final Respects to Mandela

The casket of late South African president Nelson Mandela is carried on the last day of lying in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, 13 December 2013. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Thousands of South Africans are waiting to pay their final respects to the late former President Nelson Mandela, in the capital Pretoria.

Mandela, who passed away on December 5 is lying in state in Pretoria's Union Buildings for a third final day. He will be buried in his birth village Qunu on Sunday.

South African authorities have warned that people who have not queued, will not be able to see Mandela's casket. More than 50 000 people are waiting for buses to take them to the Union Buildings, reports the BBC.

A number of enthusiasts who tried to break through the police guards had to be contained by authorities.

Between 12 000 and 14 000 people paid their respects to Nelson Mandela in the first day when his body was laid at the government complex.

A huge statue of the late anti-apartheid activist was erected in front of the Union Buildings, where he was sworn in as president nearly 20 years ago.

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