The body of KwaZulu Natal born former rugby player Lindani Myeni is set to leave the United States on Tuesday and arrive in South Africa on Friday this week.
This was said by KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala on Sunday.
Myeni, 29, was shot dead by police in Hawaii on Wednesday, April 14 after they responded to an alleged “burglar in progress” at a home in Nuuana.
Times Live reported that Myeni’s body was released to his wife and was currently at a local funeral palour.
“On Friday, the consul general in Miami, who is responsible for Ohio state, indicated that the American government has released the mortal remains of Mr Myeni to his wife and they are being stored at a local funeral parlour,” was quoted as saying.
More details including confirmed funeral dates and memorial services will be communicated by the family, supported by the provincial government in due course.
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) April 25, 2021
Zikala said this as he provided an update on efforts to return Myeni’s body to SA after a delegation led by the provincial director-general, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, visited his Empangeni home, the report said.
IOL quoted the premier as saying: “As a province, we are saddened that one of our own countrymen has been caught up in the ongoing spate of attacks by law enforcement authorities, which are apparently targeted at Black people in the United States. This objectionable behaviour should be condemned. Investigations must be thoroughly conducted and no stone must be left unturned. Justice must be served in this case.”
Police alleged that Myeni assaulted three officers, after which he was shot and killed.
Myeni was believed to have been unarmed.
Local media reported that Hawaii authorities had tried non-lethal force first before using live ammunition because the “suspect… was repeatedly punching” police officers.
But, according to Daily Maverick, those who knew Myeni said he was neither a burglar nor a thief.
Investigation
“When I saw the news I said, this is not the Lindani I know. He has never been like that,” the report quoted Siyabonga Dlamini, who grew up a few streets away from Myeni in eSikhaleni, as saying.
Picture: Twitter/@ThabosoSithole
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