Mourners emotional message at vigil for Indigenous man Kumanjayi White who died in custody

“This young man shouldn’t have died. He shouldn’t be returned to his community in a box,” Indigenous writer Veronica Gorrie told mourners.

Senior Warlpiri elder Robin Granites Japanagka asked anyone at the gathering who witnessed Tuesday’s incident to come forward with information.

“Those people who was surrounded by him and the police at this very place … everything needs to be told in a truth way,” he said.

“If it’s in your language, talk to us, we will interpret.”

Mourners also walked through the aisles wailing inside the store where Kumanjayi was detained and died.

Earlier this week NT Police said security guards had confronted the man in the same aisles at 1.10pm on Tuesday after he was allegedly seen putting items down the front of his clothes.

Two plain-clothes police officers who were inside the supermarket restrained the 24-year-old and noticed he had stopped breathing.

Kumanjayi was taken to hospital but died an hour later.

At the same time Friday’s vigil was concluding, NT Police issued a statement from acting commissioner Martin Dole rejecting a suggestion from Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy that an external investigation into the death might be the best way forward.

Dole said he contacted the senator to convey his complete confidence in oversight of his force.

“This incident is being investigated by Major Crime Division, which operates under strict protocols and with full transparency,” Dole said.

“The investigation will also be independently reviewed by the NT coroner, who has broad powers to examine all aspects of the incident and make findings without interference.”

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