South African expat dies following an assault in New Zealand

South African Luke Smith has passed away after being assaulted in central Wellington, following his family’s emigration to New Zealand earlier this year.

He was 21.

Reports say the assault took place near St James Theatre on Wellington’s Courtenay Place in the early hours of Sunday , 6 October.

Smith was hospitalised following the incident, but on Tuesday his life support was switched off.

‘Vibrant and gentle person’

The New Zealand Herald reported that a 29-year-old boxer has been charged for the assault of Smith.

Smith has been described as a “vibrant” and “gentle” person who had been enjoying a night of music and dancing before suffering his ultimately fatal injuries.

‘Luke was full of life, hope, and promise, a bright light taken far too soon,’ commented his family members.

The Givealittle page was set up by a group called The BlackHouse, which runs a radio show on Saturdays and works to create “a dedicated space for African, African-NZers, and the Black Diaspora in Aotearoa.

Titled ‘Justice for Luke’ it has been established to help the Smith family cope with the financial burden of the repatriation of their son’s body from New Zealand to South Africa for the funeral.

Meanwhile, police are still working to determine “exactly what happened”.

Investigators are continuing to comb through evidence and police want to speak with anyone who saw the incident and has yet to come forward.