In April 2021, a distressing 911 call was made by an unknown woman reporting an intruder in her home. The call, released recently, is believed to be linked to the fatal shooting of 29-year-old South African, Lindani Mieny. The incident unfolded in a Nuanu home in Hawaii, operating illegally as an Airbnb.
Advertisement
The woman on the 911 call struggled with English, complicating the communication, and Mieny's wife, Lindsay, believes the entire tragedy stemmed from a misunderstanding. She filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the involved police officers and the city, emphasizing that Mieny, a former rugby player, was seeking a temple and entered the home by mistake.
Lindsay recounted the events leading up to the shooting, describing their cultural and spiritual journey throughout the day. Mieny, in search of a temple, mistakenly entered the Airbnb property, removing his shoes as a sign of respect. The couple had recently moved to Hawaii, hopeful for a better life.
The 911 call highlighted the language barrier and potential miscommunication, raising concerns about the response by the police. Lindsay and her attorney, Jim Bickerton, argue that the incident was blown out of proportion due to Mieny being Black. They criticize the police for using excessive force against an unarmed man.
The bodycam footage shown during a press briefing omitted the first officer's arrival, raising questions about the sequence of events. Honolulu police claim that Mieny initiated the conflict, but the recordings have fueled public skepticism.
Advertisement
Friends and family remember Mieny as a gentle giant, friendly and approachable. His recent birthday celebration featured a poignant speech, making his untimely death all the more heartbreaking.
The South African government, along with Mieny's family, seeks answers and justice. Calls for intervention from U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama have intensified. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Mieny's family during this challenging time. The incident sheds light on the complexities of cultural misunderstandings and the need for improved police response protocols.
@911insights2 Tragic Misunderstanding 911 Call Reveals Fatal Shooting of Unarmed South African in Hawaii-Part 1 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights
@911insights2 Tragic Misunderstanding 911 Call Reveals Fatal Shooting of Unarmed South African in Hawaii-Part 2 #police #911 #911calls #cops #emergency #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound - 911insights