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South Africans mourn slain compatriots

Yolande Korkie, during a press conference in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, where she spoke of her husband, Pierre Korkie, who, according to American officials was killed by militants during an attempted rescue operation in Yemen, alongside American hostage Luke Somers, Saturday. Korkie says that she forgives those who are responsible for her husband's death. (AP Photo/Sydney Seshibedi) Yolande Korkie, during a press conference in Johannesburg, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, where she spoke of her husband, Pierre Korkie, who, according to American officials was killed by militants during an attempted rescue operation in Yemen, alongside American hostage Luke Somers, Saturday. Korkie says that she forgives those who are responsible for her husband's death. (AP Photo/Sydney Seshibedi)

By Associated Press December 12, 2014 1 min read

JOHANNESBURG (AP) – Mourners in South Africa have held separate services for two South African civilians who were killed in conflicts in Yemen and Afghanistan.

A memorial ceremony was held Friday for Pierre Korkie, a teacher who was killed in Yemen on Dec. 6 during a U.S. raid on al-Qaida militants who were holding Korkie and American hostage Luke Somers. American officials say militants killed both men.

Separately, a church service was held for Werner Groenewald and his children, Jean-Pierre and Rode. They were killed Nov. 29 in Afghanistan when Taliban militants stormed the office of a foreign aid group, where the family also lived. Groenewald’s wife, Hannelie, who was not at the office when the attack occurred, has returned to South Africa.