Dewani's lawyers to file discharge application

The Briton's lawyers are expected to submit their heads of argument before the end of business today.

FILE: Advocate Francois van Zyl enters the Western Cape High Court ahead of Shrien Dewani's murder trial on 3 November 2014. Picture: Thomas Holder/EWN.

Rahima Essop | 1740 days ago

CAPE TOWN - British businessman Shrien Dewani's lawyers will file papers in the Western Cape High Court today to have him acquitted on charges of plotting to kill his wife.

The British businessman is accused of hiring hitmen to kill his wife, Anni Hindocha Dewani, during the couples honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010.

Dewani denies any involvement in the alleged staged hijacking in which Anni was shot and killed.

WATCH: Anni Dewani's final moments

Sixteen witnesses have been called to testify for the state since the trial began in early October.

Dewani's lawyers are expected to submit their heads of argument before the end of business today.

This will be a crucial first step in their application to have the charges against him dismissed.

Prosecutors will file responding papers on Friday.

The state closed its case on Monday.

WATCH: Dewani judge slams ill-prepared prosecution

The announcement was quickly followed by the defence revealing it intended making an application in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Known as a discharge application, if granted, it could see Dewani being acquitted.

The matter has provisionally been set down for argument on Monday.

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Dewani's lawyers to file discharge application

Timeline

NPA won't prosecute accomplice in Dewani murder

Shrien Dewani: I am the victim of a witch hunt

Anni Dewani's family to push ahead with other legal options

UK coroner won't hold inquest into Anni Dewani's death

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