The 29-year-old unarmed black man was killed by Honolulu Police in an apparent burglary last month.

The South African-born rugby player allegedly walked into a woman's house which prompted her to call the police. The woman alleges that Myeni had followed her home.

In a widely circulated 911 call, the woman told the operator that he had identified himself as Lindani Myeni from South Africa but that she didn't know him personally.

Speaking at his memorial service in Empangeni on Thursday, Zikalala lamented the "careless loss of life at the hands of law enforcement".

"Lindani had a lot to offer to his country and the world had he not been untimely killed at the prime of his life.

"Those who took his life want us to believe that he was a criminal and a violent man but those who knew him well tell tales a soft-spoken and a gentle giant, who was always considerate and compassionate.

"It is unbelievable that his life was cut so short.

The rugby player was also described as a loving husband and doting father to his two boys.

"Lindani used his voice as a war cry to inspire confidence and to encourage his rugby teammates.

"His voice, which has been eternally silenced, still echoes across the globe as his killing has united people from different colours, creed, and cultures."

Zikalala further called for Myeni's death to be a catalyst for change.

"To keep Lindani's memory and legacy alive, let us all unite and denounce the hostility and the hostile manner of his killing.

"Let us condemn his killing while demanding swift justice to prevail and take its course."

Myeni's funeral will be held on Saturday, with little less answers from law enforcement in the United States.

Myeni's wife, Lindsay, has filed a wrongful death suit against the Honolulu police department.

Mrs Lindsay Myeni addressing the media after the memorial service of her husband #LindaniMyeni pic.twitter.com/8iQfemCsYe

— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) May 6, 2021

Jacaranda News