A large media contingent was assembled outside the Victoria Park Crematorium in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday morning ahead of the memorial service for model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp.
A large media contingent was assembled outside the Victoria Park Crematorium in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday morning ahead of the memorial service for model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp.
The family of Steenkamp, who was shot dead on Thursday at her Paralympian boyfriend Oscar Pistorius' home, have asked the media to respect their privacy.
There was an air of restrained suspense at the tranquil, weather-beaten building, which is surrounded by large trees and terraced lawns.
Police warned local and international news teams to leave the premises and they retreated to outside the boundary wall.
Part of the crematorium, a memorial wall and several gravestones were visible from the entrance, where police had erected a cordon.
Some journalists said they had arrived at 6am to ensure they missed nothing ahead of the model's memorial service, but by 9.30am only police and Doves Funeral Service had arrived.
Soon after, the first mourners began to trickle in. Those who arrived on foot were swamped by the media who asked them for comment.
The weather was cool and slightly cloudy with a light wind blowing through the trees.
The Herald newspaper reported on Tuesday that Steenkamp's family had been besieged by the media.
Unlike murder-accused Pistorius' family, the family are unaccustomed to being in the media spotlight. Steenkamp's cousin, Sharon Steenkamp, said there would be a "media blackout" at the memorial service.
She said a press conference would, however, be held afterwards.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
