The parents of Luke Smith, who died as a result of an assault in New Zealand, confronted the alleged perpetrator.
Siale Siale, 29, a boxer, appeared in Wellington District Court on October 21.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the accusation was changed to manslaughter, and Siale was released on bail with restrictions on his travel.
They further stated that the case has been deferred until November, and the accused would appear in the High Court.
Smith, 21, died in hospital on October 7, 2024, after being assaulted in Courtenay Place two days before. He had moved to Upper Hutt, New Zealand.
He moved to New Zealand with his parents in February.
Smith will be laid to rest at King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, on Saturday.
A campaign was set up to cover the cost of returning Smith’s body home.
Speaking to IOL after the court appearance, his mother Natasha stated that while it was difficult in court, she and her husband Brian “left everything in God’s hands.”
The family is likely to leave New Zealand on Tuesday ahead of the funeral.
Luke’s father, Brian, characterized him as a fun-loving and passionate soccer enthusiast.
The couple maintained optimism that justice would be done for their son’s killing.