Thousands of Malawians led by Minister of Sport and Culture Grace Obama Chiumia on Tuesday braved the cold weather engulfed the commercial capital Blantyre to witness the burial of well-known comedian John ‘Izeki’ Nyanga.

Nyanga died on Sunday afternoon at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) after a long illness.

Before the burial ceremony at HHI cemetery, the body of late Izeki was taken to Kamuzu Stadium where a funeral service conducted by the Roman Catholic and body viewing was held.

Speaking on behalf of government, Chiumia said the country has lost a talented man who contributed positively to the development of theater.

She said President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is deeply shocked with the loss.

On his part, Eric Mabedi expressed shocked over the death.

Apart from Minister of Sports, other notable faces present at the funeral service included veteran Musician cum-politician Lucius Banda, Bonnie Kalindo, Member of Parliament for Mulanje, Michael Usi, Executive Director for ADRA, his colleague Eric Mabedi.