Judge insists honeymoon murder trial goes ahead

Speaking at a pre-trial hearing at the Western Cape High Court in South Africa, Judge Robert Henney said he would accept no further delays in the case against Xolile Mngeni.

Mrs Dewani, 28, was shot in an apparent car hijacking while on honeymoon with her husband Shrien in Cape Town in November 2010.

Shrien Dewani, a 32-year-old care home owner from Bristol, is accused of arranging the contract killing of his wife, which he denies. He is currently being treated by psychiatrists in Britain while he fights extradition to South Africa.

Dewani had married Swedish national Anni Hindocha in India before taking her on a honeymoon to South Africa which included a safari in the Kruger Park and a visit to Cape Town, where they stayed at the five-star Cape Grace hotel.

During an evening out, Mrs Dewani was killed by a shot in the neck after an apparent car hijacking in Gugulethu township.

The court heard yesterday that a recent medical report confirmed Mngeni, one of two men accused of the contract killing, was fit to stand trial, even though he had a malignant brain tumour.

His lawyer Matthews Dayimani said the report concluded his client’s “attentional focus” was slightly reduced.

Judge Henney said it would be costly to order transcripts of proceedings, but he would see if an exception could be made.

He suggested Mngeni sit next to his lawyer during the trial, taking notes where possible, and consult during adjournments.

Mngeni looked frail yesterday and had to be escorted in through the public entrance by a policeman.