Luke Smith’s funeral will be held on Saturday, October 26 at Qonce (King William’s Town), Eastern Cape.
Smith’s parents, Brian and Natasha, arrived in the country this week with their son’s body.
Smith died as a result of an incident in Wellington in early October.
He died two days later in the hospital.
Siale Siale, a 29-year-old boxer, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with Smith’s death.
He has been released on bail with restrictions and is scheduled to appear in Wellington High Court in November.
Smith, his parents’ lone child, emigrated to Upper Hutt in February this year.
His parents characterized their only child as the joy of their lives and someone who avoided conflict.
Brian described his son as a charming, gregarious soccer nut.
Following their son’s suspected killer’s court appearance, they expressed confidence in the judicial system.
Following Smith’s unexpected death, a New Zealand-based charity launched a fundraising campaign to return his body home.
Over 25,000 New Zealand dollars have been raised.
In a previous interview with IOL, Brian stated that Luke planned to return to South Africa in November, when his visa expired, to complete a plumbing degree before returning to New Zealand.
