Laughter and tears flow at memorial service for Lindani Myeni

0 of 5

Lindani Myeni’s granny Ntombifuthi Xaki had friends and family laughing as she regaled them with tales of his strength, bravery and personality during a memorial in Empangeni on Thursday.

The 29-year-old from eSikhawini, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, died in hospital after being shot four times by members of the Honolulu police department responding to a “burglary in progress” at a home in Nuuanu, Hawaii in April. He lived in Hawaii with his wife Lindsay and two children, who arrived in SA last week.

The body of the former rugby player was repatriated to SA on Saturday.

Xaki described her grandson as a smiling, handsome, friendly giant.

Addressing friends, family, community members and local government officials, including KZN premier Sihle Zikalala, she said her grandson remained respectful to the family, even when he lived overseas.

“Lindani never looked down on us now that he was living in America. We do not know this man lying here who has been described as a criminal. We don’t want [that image of] Lindani that was tormented, because he was a well-mannered and a strong man,” said Xaki.

She spoke about how he carried her and his aunties to their beds if they fell asleep on the couch, as if they weighed nothing, and said he was always willing to lend an ear and give advice.

Friend and former rugby teammate Celester Asuega broke down as he spoke about Myeni's love for his roots and his family. He said this was an inspiration to him and made him consider having his own family.

The 26-year-old from American Samoa described the days he spent with Myeni on and off the rugby field as “priceless”.

“He was just a comical guy and loved sharing advice with us, without caring whether we were at the gym or at a dinner table. I just loved that about him and I miss it already," he said.

Other former teammates who spoke about his effect on their lives presented the family with a rugby jersey to pay tribute to his family.

During the speeches and formalities, his widow, Lindsay, was overcome with emotion and was comforted by a family member.

Speaking after the memorial service, she told media that she was happy to hear the tributes paid to her late husband. She said it gave her comfort to realise that so many people felt this way about him.

Lindsay said the family had received no assistance from the US government after her husband’s death and confirmed that the family had started legal proceedings to retrieve some of his belongings.

“From the USA I have got nothing, not even a comment from the president or the mayor. But we are still suing the Honolulu police department. We are waiting for them to give back his cellphone, his mqhele and the rest of his clothes and I think we'll get closer to justice.”

Zikalala pleaded with mourners to unite against Myeni's killing and demanded justice for the family.

“Those who took Lindani’s life want us to believe that he was a criminal and a violent man, but those who knew him intimately tell tales of a soft-spoken, gentle giant who was always considerate and compassionate. The gentle giant who would not hurt a fly had his life cruelly taken away from him as if it was that of a hunted animal.

“To keep Lindani’s memory and legacy alive, let us all unite and denounce the hostile manner of his killing,” said Zikalala.

Myeni will be laid to rest on Saturday.