British businessman Shrien Dewani must give the full story of what happened the night his wife Anni was killed, her family said on Wednesday.
Her brother Anish Hindocha told reporters in Cape Town he expected Dewani’s trial to continue in the Western Cape High Court on Monday, and for his discharge application to be dismissed.
He said Dewani’s legal team had repeated the “mantra” since the start of trial in October that his client would tell the court certain things. Dewani had insisted all along that he wanted to clear his name, Hindocha said.
“It would be a terrible development in what has been a four-year wait if we and the people of South Africa are not afforded the full story.”
Should the full facts of her murder not emerge, it would remain on the country’s conscience forever.
“It will also mean a lifetime of torture for me and my family, especially my mom and dad.”
Dewani is on trial in the Western Cape High Court for allegedly plotting with shuttle bus driver Zola Tongo and others to kill Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
He claims the couple was hijacked while Tongo drove them through Gugulethu in his minibus on Saturday, November 13, 2010. He was released unharmed and Anni was driven away. She was found shot dead in the abandoned minibus in Khayelitsha the next morning.
The State alleges he conspired with others to stage the hijacking, for which he paid R15,000. Dewani maintains Tongo helped him organise a surprise helicopter trip for Anni for R15,000.
Tongo is serving an 18-year jail term and Mziwamadoda Qwabe, a 25-year jail term. Xolile Mngeni was serving life in jail for firing the shot that killed Anni, but died in prison from a brain tumour on October 18.
Hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo was granted immunity from prosecution on two charges during Mngeni’s trial. He was however warned he faced possible prosecution on various charges if he did not testify truthfully during Dewani’s trial.
Dewani’s legal team brought an application last week in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which opened the way for a discharge if the court believed there was no credible evidence at the close of the State’s case.
Deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso said she would deliver a ruling next week unless she let the parties know otherwise.
Should a discharge be granted, Dewani would be free to return to the United Kingdom.
Source : Sapa /je/th/jje/jk
