The council had initially considered settling the matter last year but later decided to proceed with court action after prosecutors cleared the officers involved.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm concluded that the two officers who shot Myeni in April 2021 acted lawfully. Alm stated the use of deadly force was justified as self-defence and defence of others, with no evidence of racial discrimination influencing their actions.

“This was a tragic loss of life,” Alm said, “but our investigation found the officers acted appropriately in a very challenging situation.” He also cited medical evidence suggesting Myeni had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease that may have affected his behaviour on the night of the incident.

However, Myeni’s family rejected the prosecutor’s findings. Their lawyer, James Bickerton, said the family is determined to pursue justice in court. Speaking to SABC News, Bickerton said the trial aims to bring the truth to light and hold those responsible accountable.

“This civil case won’t send anyone to prison, but it can do two things,” said Bickerton. “First, it can reveal the full truth about what happened. Second, it can help compensate the family, who have already paid the highest price.”

Bickerton also argued that the police officers failed to identify themselves and suggested race played a role in how Myeni was treated. “It’s not blatant racism,” he explained. “It’s more subtle, they did not give him the dignity of announcing themselves as police officers.”

Myeni was shot four times by police near a holiday rental next to a Hindu temple. According to court documents, it is still unclear whether Myeni mistook the rental property for the temple or intended to make an inquiry. Witnesses said he left peacefully, but the occupants called the police, leading to a fatal confrontation.

--ChannelAfrica--