Lindani Myeni: a different picture
A SIMPLE mix-up in street addresses could have been what led to Lindani Myeni’s tragic death in Hawaii in April.
This as new video footage released last week answers the question of why he removed his shoes before entering the house in front of which he was killed – believing it was the next-door temple.
‘I walked down that street and saw the temple next door. If you Google the mosque address, it takes you to the B&B next door,’ said Lindsay Myeni in an exclusive interview with the ZO on Friday night.
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) had gone to court to block the release of the footage, but their petition was denied.
The doorbell camera footage shows two cars pulling into the driveway of the 7 400 square foot multi-resident dwelling roughly at the same time.
Lindsay Myeni speaks out after new camera footage is released
The dwelling has a semi-circular driveway and columns, similar to the temple next door.
A couple visiting Hawaii and occupying the short-term rental space enters the house, followed by Lindani, who took off his shoes before entering.
Lindani was wearing traditional headgear which, according to Lindsay’s lawyer, he would wear when entering a spiritual place.
Seconds after entering, Lindani is seen leaving the house after identifying himself and apologising, before putting his shoes back on and leaving the property.
Minutes later, the woman is seen outside the house identifying Lindani to the police officers who reacted to her 911 call reporting an attempted burglary.
Lindsay said she is angry at the woman at the house who reacted the way she did, and is calling for jail time for her and the police officers responsible.
‘Hopefully, with time in prison, they would reflect on their behaviour on why they acted the way they did, and change their ways and leave humbled.
‘The way this lady reacted cost Lindani his life and that is something she has to live with every day.
‘My lawyer pushed hard to get the homeowner to release the footage which changes the case a lot as they murdered someone and broke laws.
‘The judge must decide by 16 July if the police will be charged. The lawyer estimated the case will close in 18 months from now.
‘I cannot turn back time and bring back my husband and father to my children.
‘The day he died, he told me he needed spiritual protection, as if he knew he was going to die.’
Lindsay is also calling for reform within HPD and for the development of a racism rehabilitation centre.
She said that, while Lindani’s personal belongings have been returned, his cellphone has not.
She said the doorbell footage unquestionably shows Lindani’s character and how he was with people and with the truth.
This sentiment was echoed by Junior Makhoba, a close friend of the Myeni family, and Lindani’s former rugby coach.
The day Lindani died, he told me he needed spiritual protection
‘This footage confirms what we knew about Lindani and his character, and shows he was not a violent guy like the media has portrayed him to be,’ said Makhoba.
‘They should have released this footage earlier as we need to know the truth to gain understanding of what happened that night, and finally put this hurtful act to rest.
‘The truth is slowly coming out. One could see in the footage that he might have been confused by going into the house instead of the church next door.
‘He was not a violent guy. What type of criminal introduces himself and apologies at the same time?
* Open your PixzAR app and scan the framed image on page 1 to watch the newly-released doorbell camera footage