Crucial video evidence in Dewani case

Xolile Mngeni, one of the men accused of murdering honeymooner Anni Dewani, appears in the Western Cape High Court on Monday, 13 August 2012. Picture: Sapa.
| 17 August 2012

CAPE TOWN - Lawyers for Anni Dewani's alleged shooter Xolile Mngeni said on Thursday they intend showing crucial video evidence to the Western Cape High Court when the case resumes on Monday next week.

The second day of Mngeni's trial came to an abrupt close

He has pleaded not guilty to all five charges against him, including kidnapping and murder.

Mngeni's co-accused Mziwamadoda Qwabe is serving a lengthy jail term, after pleading guilty to his role in the 2010 murder of British honeymooner Anni Dewani.

The first state witness, a hotel receptionist, has testified that he put Zola Tongo in contact with an alleged hit-man named Abongile.

Tongo has already been found guilty in the matter.

The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Eric Ntabazalila said Abongile's real name was revealed in court on Thursday.

“The hit-man referred to as Abongile’s turned out to be Mziwamadoda Qwabe.”

Ntabazalila added that the defence couldn't show the court video evidence on Thursday, due to technical glitches.

“We were supposed to watch DVD video footage but the court didn’t have the required cable. There was also a mechanical problem with the stenographer’s machine.”

(Edited by Tamsin Wort)