Police in Honolulu in the US state of Hawaii have insisted that the fatal shooting of a South African man has nothing to do with his race.
Twenty nine-year-old Lindani Sanele Myeni, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, was shot in a peculiar confrontation with police after they responded to a 911 call of a burglary in progress.
My heart bleeds for Lee? #JusticeForLindaniMyeni pic.twitter.com/zbuPQY5vOR
— ♡iNtandokazi♡ (@Ntando_mAf) April 16, 2021
Police say that Myeni who lived nearby, allegedly followed a woman into her home, took off his shoes. Police also say that when they arrived at the home he charged at their officers.
Video:
Honolulu police chief gives update on officer-involved shooting of South African man Lindani Myenihttps://t.co/95pWuFZGR2
— Sherwin Bryce-Pease (@sherwiebp) April 16, 2021
Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard says Myeni exhibited strange behaviour.
“Officers administered first aid to the suspect and the man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He died of his injuries at the hospital. The three responding officers were also taken to the hospital for multiple injuries,” says Ballard.
“The first officer to arrive has multiple facial fractures, a concussion and injuries to his arms and legs. He remains hospitalised. He was 23 years of service. The second officer suffered multiple injuries to his body, arms and legs, The third officer had a concussion and multiple abrasions to the body, arm and legs. Both officers received medical treatment but have since been released,” she adds.
Myeni is survived by his wife and two children. His wife Lindsay has dismissed allegations that he was a burglar.
Man shot and killed by police in Nuuanu last night is 29-year-old Lindani Myeni — police say he broke into house and attacked police after they arrived— No criminal history, wife calls him gentle & loving husband & father, & “there was no reason this should have happened” @KITV4 pic.twitter.com/yLk3eIoOCX
— Tom George (@TheTomGeorge) April 16, 2021
Myeni’s death comes one week after Honolulu police officers shot and killed a 16-year-old during a car chase.
The South African Consulate in Los Angeles has confirmed that it is providing consular services to the family.
A hashtag calling for justice over the killing is trending on social media.
#LindaniMyeni should be alive today.
There is very little details about his killing other than he was an unarmed Black man “exhibiting strange behavior.” Instead of sending help we sent armed officers to shoot and kill him.
My heart goes out to his beautiful family and children https://t.co/R1LmW5PQun
— Jacquie Esser (@Esser4J) April 16, 2021
Lindani Myeni a South African Rugby Player was shot & killed by Police in Honolulu, America.
Lindani has left his Wife and 2 kids.
We demand Justice for Lindani and @honolulupolice
should release Body Camera footage immediately.Jay-Z #kiernan Mbali Zimbabweans Elon Natasha pic.twitter.com/Aihb2LP6Hb
— Tendai ™ ? (@TendaiMedia) April 17, 2021
They have killed one of our own in the US. His name is #LindaniMyeni from KZN. He was unarmed. He was shot dead by the Police. We must demand @honolulupolice to release their body cam footage and complete transparency on Lindani’s murder. We need answers!#JusticeForLindaniMyeni pic.twitter.com/K1LBx6SaOV
— S U N R I S E ✨ (@sheabutterhun) April 17, 2021
They killed you my brother just because your skin colour is black? yes 3 white policeman in USA pulled a trigger and we lost you??? #justiceforlindanimyeni #LindaniMyeni #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/f9potcR2LF
— #JusticeForLindaniMyeni ??✊? (@Beloz_ka_Rian) April 16, 2021
They killed our brother #LindaniMyeni @Oprah pic.twitter.com/O9TU08CXyc
— Refuge Mlambo (@Refmista) April 16, 2021
Lindani Myeni’s wife says he was too good for this broken world ? did my heart not crack
— Milk&Honey (@LiloJobe) April 17, 2021
