Family ready to receive remains

THE family of Lindani Myeni who was shot and killed by US police last Wednesday is hoping to have his remains back in the country from Hawaii next week.

Siboniso Sengwayo, a family friend, confirmed that repatriation processes were under way and that Myeni’s family was looking forward to closing the painful chapter.

He said all documentation had been submitted to the relevant authorities and that Myeni’s wife and children were preparing to bring him home.

“On Friday night, his wife Lindsay said she was hoping to land in South Africa between Thursday or Friday next week with his body,” he said.

Myeni, 29, a mechanical engineer and former professional rugby player from esikhawini in Richards Bay, was gunned down by Honolulu police officers following a scuffle.

Police alleged that he had entered a home exhibiting strange behaviour leading homeowners to believe their safety was compromised. Responding to a robbery in progress, officers found Myeni on the premises and attempted to make an arrest, which resulted in his demise.

“The video of the incident circulating on social media shows one side of the story. We are not sure of what happened or whether he was defending himself. We just hope that all those who were in the house, which is close to a church, will come forward and share details of what happened prior so we can have a full picture and find closure and healing in our hearts,” said Sengwayo. “We can’t bring him back, but the truth will give us some peace.”

More than R420 000 has been raised so far for the repatriation of Myeni’s remains and the local government has also extended their support to the family.

A delegation from Premier Sihle Zikalala’s office visited the family this week and assured them that they were working with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and the US Consul-general to bring Myeni home.

“We have directed Kwazulunatal director-general Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize to work with the family of Lindani Myeni to provide the necessary assistance and support to the family at this time,” said Zikalala.

“We will continue to work closely with the family to finalise arrangements for Lindani’s mortal remains to be brought back in safety and dignity to Kwazulu-natal.

We are in regular contact with Dirco and the Office of the Consul-general to consolidate efforts towards the repatriation of Myeni's mortal remains back to his country,” he added.