Record-breaking biker funeral honours Megaforce president
Bikers from across the province paid their respects to the late Megaforce president, Marius van Zyl.
THE celebration of Marius van Zyl’s life was the largest biker funeral in the history of KwaZulu-Natal, with participating numbers exceeding expectations.
This was according to Gavin Storrier, Megaforce National Sergeant at Arms.
Also read: Biker community mourns the death of Megaforce president
During the ceremony, conducted by a close friend and confidant, Pastor Christiaan Brandenburg, the Megaforce National executive council, comprised of the national president, the national vice-president (late Marius), the national Sergeant at Arms, along with ‘never more than nine members’, collectively known as the Brothers of Few (BoF), donated their numbered coins into a memorial plaque in honour of their fallen brother.
The coffin, draped with Marius’ colours vest, was carried out by his son, Luan, and some of the original committee members from when Megaforce South Coast was founded. They were followed by national portfolio holders and presidents from the 22 chapters.
After a prayer and true to tradition, a burnout was done outside the NG Kerk by Luan.
As the hearse departed, final respects were extended by means of the ‘helmets up’ ceremony, which consists of riders standing next to their motorcycles, helmet raised above their head in one hand and with the other cranking the throttle as a revving salute.
Long-time friend and fellow biker, André Beetge, said the attendees, under the escort of SAPS and closely supervised by metro police and road captains, thereafter proceeded in orderly procession to McGintys Pub in Rosslyn Road where Marius’s life was properly celebrated.
“The family and Megaforce have expressed their gratitude and appreciation, not only towards everyone who attended but, in fact, the Amanzimtoti community at large. The number of messages, the sympathy and exceptional tolerance during the disruptive traffic and the somewhat noisy afternoon were greatly appreciated,” he said.
Beetge added that they would also like to thank Amanzimtoti SAPS, metro police, the Community Police Forum and other voluntary services who escorted, managed or assisted during proceedings, which included the SUN for communicating the information at short notice.
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