There was not a dry eye at the Protea South Multipurpose Centre on Thursday evening after a recorded audio clip of slain actor Mandla Hlatshwayo praying for the safety of his family and community played.

Hundreds of fans‚ friends and family gathered at the centre in Soweto to celebrate the Jozi FM DJ’s life.

Mandla’s friends and colleagues often had to take a moment to regain their composure as they shared fond memories they made with the actor.

They said that despite being heartbroken by Mandla’s death it was comforting to know that he has gone home because he was “a praying man“.

Jozi FM station manager Mpho Mhlongo’s speech asked men to stop “being trash“.

Mandla’s Jozi FM family came in their numbers‚ while Soweto-based singer Winnie Khumalo rendered a touching musical tribute in Mandla’s honour. Other familiar faces‚ who attended to pay their respects were DJ Cleo and actor Tshepo Maseko.

The former Generations star’s funeral service will be held on Saturday at Protea Hall from 8am until 11 am‚ and he will be laid to rest at the Olifantsvlei Cemetery.