Alleged Miscarriages of Justice => The kidnapping and shooting/murder of Anni Dewani while on her honeymoon in South Africa. Trial of Shrien Dewani was held in Cape Town, SA. => Topic started by: Anna on October 05, 2014, 04:02:55 PM
Title: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 05, 2014, 04:02:55 PM
South African court to hear Shrien Dewani hired male prostitute before wedding to Anni
Leopold Leisser reportedly said Dewani told him during their liaisons that he felt he could not back out of upcoming wedding as his family would disown him
Anni Dewani, left, was shot dead in an apparent car jacking in Cape Town while her husband, Shrien, right, was unharmed Photo: PA
By Aislinn Laing, Cape Town 11:00PM BST 04 Oct 2014 A British businessman accused of having his wife murdered in a staged carjacking during their honeymoon in Cape Town visited a male prostitute for drug-fuelled sexual liaisons in the run-up to his wedding, his trial is expected hear when it opens in South Africa next week. Shrien Dewani, 34, told Leopold Leisser that he was due to marry to a "nice, lovely girl” and could not break off the engagement, despite having strong feelings for men, because he would be “disowned by his family”, it was reported. Mr Leisser, a German national who trades under the name The Master, is said to have told police he met Mr Dewani, a care home owner from Bristol, through the homosexual introductions website Gaydar and he was “very charming and quite educated". Mr Leisser alleged he saw Mr Dewani three times between September 2009 and April 2010, at his own flat in Birmingham and at the Presidential Kensington Apartments in Earl's Court and they took drugs during their meetings. His evidence is contained in a statement he gave the Metropolitan Police after Mr Dewani’s new wife Anni died in an apparent carjacking in Cape Town in April 2010 which South Africa’s Star newspaper claims to have obtained. Mr Dewani was allowed to return to the UK but South African police asked for him to be extradited back to the country after three men, including the driver of the taxi the couple were attacked in, were arrested over the fatal shooting and claimed Mr Dewani had paid them more than £1,000 to do it. The millionaire businessman, who was treated for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after the incident, fought a long legal battle against returning to South Africa but was ordered to do so by a panel of High Court judges in April this year after his condition improved. Since then, he has been treated at Cape Town’s Valkenberg Hospital, where psychiatrists have confirmed he is now fit to stand trial. Among those who are expected to give evidence for the state or have statements read to the court when his trial begins at Cape Town’s High Court this week are Mr Leisser. The prostitute is said to have given police phone records, text messages, a form Mr Dewani filled in before their first meeting stating his sexual preferences, and even a photograph of the defendant. Detectives have confirmed the number Mr Leisser gave them was Mr Dewani’s, The Star reported, and interviewed neighbours of the London flat where the prostitute said they met, who confirmed Mr Dewani was the occupant. Mr Leisser told police Mr Dewani paid him up to £400 a time for three liaisons and he bent his "no-sleep over" rule because "he was very friendly and I liked him... he was very charming and quite educated", the newspaper reported. During their third encounter, he told him he was getting married, it added. "He said that she was a nice, lovely girl and that he liked her but that he could not break out of it in any way because he would be disowned by the family,” Mr Leisser is quoted as saying. “He also said they he needs to find a way out of it. He also told me that he had met another guy previously that he could have fallen for and he came close to telling his family about it, but he didn't." Mr Dewani denies charges of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice. He has previously said he was at the gym and a job interview when he is alleged to have seen Mr Leisser. His trial is expected to begin on Monday.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 06, 2014, 11:47:37 AM
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: colombosstogey on October 06, 2014, 01:25:38 PM
And so it begins.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 06, 2014, 02:56:34 PM
Mr Dewani faces five charges including murder and lying about the circumstances of Swedish national Anni's death. Prosecutors argue that Mr Dewani conspired with Cape Town residents Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni to kill his wife. The court heard forensic evidence that the fatal shot was delivered "at close range", with a suggestion that Mrs Dewani might have been grabbing on to "someone or something" at the time she died. A video taken shortly after her bloodied body was found was also shown to the court. Through defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl, Mr Dewani said he had "had sexual interaction with both males and females". "I consider myself to be bisexual," the court was told. "My sexual interactions with males were mostly physical experiences or email chats with people I met online or in clubs, including prostitutes," Mr Dewani's witness statement said. Mr Dewani said he had abnormally low levels of hormones, rendering his chances of having children slim. He said he discussed this with Anni, whom he began dating in summer 2009. Anni Dewani's sister, Ami Denborg (l) and mother Nilam Hindocha (r) attended the first day of the court case The court also heard of a volatile relationship between the newlyweds, including an "angry disagreement" in May 2010. A letter sent later from Mr Dewani said "I really do love you. Want to be with you forever." But Anni wanted to call off the wedding, claiming Mr Dewani was "too controlling", the court heard. "We really frustrated each other, we were in love," he said through his lawyer.
At the scene - Karen Allen, Africa correspondent Shrien Dewani stood upright and for the most part composed on the first day of his trial. It is a trial that many believed would never be held in South Africa after a protracted extradition battle and concerns about Mr Dewani's mental health. Defence lawyer Francois van Zyl revealed that Mr Dewani had said he was "bisexual", a fact that may serve to neutralise some of the fevered press speculation of recent months and police statements given by a gay escort who claims he spent time with Mr Dewani. The coming days are likely to see a detailed public examination of the couple's relationship. But in a statement read out in court Mr Dewani said he had been "instantly attracted" to Anni when they first met and he sobbed quietly when a "love letter" he wrote to her after an argument, was read out in court.
The pair married later in 2010 and travelled to South Africa for their honeymoon. According to Mr Dewani, he bought flexible tickets for the trip. It was when the couple arrived in Cape Town that Mr Dewani met taxi driver Zola Tonga, who has already admitted his part in Anni's murder. Tonga told Mr Dewani he was an "executive tour guide", and was asked to hire a helicopter as a surprise for Anni. The driver, according to Mr Dewani, also helped to change £5,000 in order to get "a good market rate". Shrien Dewani's mother Snila, father Prakesh and brother Preyen are also in court On the night of Anni's death Mr Dewani was carrying "a large amount of cash", and Tongo had texted him to ask if he still had money for the helicopter ride. Later, when they were in the taxi, Tongo pulled off the motorway and the car was stopped, the court heard. "The next thing I recall is somebody next to me, who told me to lie down. The person had a gun in his hand. He was waving the gun in the air," Mr Dewani's statement said. "We were both terrified and immediately complied with his demands. I was lying half on top of Anni. Another person was behind the steering wheel. I do not know where Tongo was at that stage." Then, one of the gang asked Mr Dewani to get out of the car. When he refused, the court heard, a gun was held at his head before he got out of the car. He then tried to find help before being taken back to his hotel by police. Mr Dewani said he later met Tongo, whom he felt "sorry" for, and had planned to give him some money. The case was adjourned until Wednesday.
Extracts of a letter from Shrien Dewani to Anni, dated May 2010 Dear Anni, I realise we are very different but I have always believed in a relationship you can work through those differences. When we first met I immediately liked you ... And no not just because you are pretty ... but because you made me laugh. I have always wanted a girl that I can be friends with. One that understands me - and I know that that is not easy. I know that I am so focussed that some people think I am intense. I am focussed on achieving things in life. I really do love you, and hence I don't want you to be unhappy. I want to be with you forever but not if that makes you unhappy ... that I could not bear ... I really hope we work this out. I am really sorry that I have made you feel like this. You are so precious to me - I know I don't always show it. I often find it difficult to show how much you mean to me ... But please do not think this is because I don't love you. Speak to you later Love always Shrien // South African Xolile Mngeni was convicted of premeditated murder for shooting Mrs Dewani and jailed for life. Prosecutors claimed he was hired to carry out the killing. Zola Tongo, was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the killing and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, also pleaded guilty to murder and was jailed for 25 years.
More http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-29476713
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on October 07, 2014, 02:04:10 PM
Looks very much as was suspected, the marriage was a convenience intended merely to camouflage Dewani's sordid secret. What I haven't quite worked out yet though is, was the last four years simply a delaying tactic?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 07, 2014, 06:21:38 PM
LAST UPDATED AT 13:14 ON Tue 7 Oct 2014 The lifestyle of British millionaire Shrien Dewani was revealed in "uncomfortable" detail on the first day of his trial for the murder of his wife on their honeymoon in South Africa.
After four years of legal battles and delays, the trial finally got underway yesterday in Cape Town, where Dewani is accused of hiring three men to kill his wife in a staged carjacking on 13 November 2010.
On Monday he denied the fives charges against him, which include murder, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice, and within just a few hours of proceedings, intimate details of his sexuality and luxurious lifestyle were laid bare.
In a statement read out by his lawyer, Dewani revealed that he was "bisexual" and has had "sexual interaction with both males and females".
The court heard how his sexual interactions with men were "mostly physical experiences or email chats" with people he "met online or in clubs, including prostitutes such as Leopold Leisser".
Karen Allen, the BBC's Africa correspondent, says the admission may serve to "neutralise" some of the "fevered" press speculation in recent months about gay escort Leisser, who claims Shrien paid him for sex. She predicts that the trial is likely to see a "detailed public examination" of Anni and Shrien's relationship.
Leisser previously claimed Shrien was desperate to get out of his marriage to Anni, but Shrien yesterday insisted that he was in love with his wife, despite the fact that they were "both headstrong and often argued with each other".
Allen says Shrien "stood upright and for the most part composed on the first day of his trial", although he "sobbed quietly" when one of his love letters to Anni was read out in court.
The court also heard how Shrien hired a private jet to propose to Anni in Paris, held a week-long stag party in Las Vegas and organised a lavish wedding in Mumbai.
His millionaire lifestyle was "revealed in uncomfortable detail", writes David Smith in The Guardian. For the most part Shrien was "composed and businesslike, but there were glimpses of tears and brittleness", he says.
The defendant, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, anxiety attacks and depression after his wife's murder, appeared "unusually sensitive to noise, twitching on occasion, and wore headphones to amplify whoever was addressing the court", adds Smith.
Shrien's bisexual revelation was plastered across most of South Africa's newspapers today, but a few focused on the "harrowing" video of Anni's body shown in court.
"The full weight and horror of the murder was brought into the courtroom when police video footage of the crime scene where Anni was found was screened," says Marianne Thamm at South Africa's online newspaper the Daily Maverick.
Thamm says there were "gasps" from the courtroom at the sight of Anni "slumped in the back seat of the silver VW Sharan, still wearing the black cocktail dress and strappy high heels she had dressed herself in only a few hours earlier".
Meanwhile, the Daily Beast describes how her hair was "blowing in the breeze" as the camera panned from her "diamante-encrusted heels to her blood-soaked body, which was punctured by bullets in her left arm and her throat".
Looks very much as was suspected, the marriage was a convenience intended merely to camouflage Dewani's sordid secret. What I haven't quite worked out yet though is, was the last four years simply a delaying tactic?
Like a fox in a corner, clever fox, he cried mental health issues and the idiots in the UK accepted it, we have to protect murderers in this country dont you know.
I know Africa i lived there. IF you dont give a gunman what they want they shoot you they dont ask you, they shoot you or hack you to death. A real attack would have raped her, and maybe even him, and killed them both and even taken her beautiful shoes.
They dont leave witnesses. When we were there in Nairobi a journalist was killed because he wouldnt give over his car. He managed to explain to police before he died. I think then they were coming in from Uganda like bloody pirates.
That poor sad girl, what a horrible way to die. God rest her soul.
I dont even care if this guy is gay or straight, but he has an evil heart either way.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 08, 2014, 04:01:11 PM
Shrien Dewani 'agreed price for wife murder' British businessman Shrien Dewani agreed to pay about £1,300 to a hitman for the murder of his wife Anni in South Africa, a court has been told. On the second day of the trial in Cape Town, Mziwamadoda Qwabe said he was asked to make it look like a hijacking. Mr Dewani, 34, from Bristol, denies murdering his wife Anni, 28, on their honeymoon in 2010. The couple were held at gunpoint while being driven in a taxi through Gugulethu township near Cape Town. Qwabe told the Western Cape High Court that taxi driver Zola Tonga had told him "there was a husband who wanted his wife to be killed". Mr Dewani faces five charges, including murder and lying about the circumstances of Swedish national Anni's death. Mziwamadoda Qwabe has already been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of Anni Dewani Qwabe, from Cape Town, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 for the murder of Anni Dewani. Prosecutors claim Mr Dewani conspired with him, and other Cape Town residents Zola Tongo and Xolile Mngeni. Qwabe, 29, told the court Tongo phoned him and said he had a job that needed to be done - that someone needed to be killed. He said Tongo agreed to meet him the next day to discuss the murder, and a price of 15,000 rand (about £1,330 at the exchange rate at the time) was agreed. The pair then arranged to meet up with Tongo's taxi for the attack, during which Mr Dewani's phone would also be taken. He told the court the money was due to be left in a "cubby hole" in the vehicle which would later be split before the pair spent an evening "socialising". Qwabe was asked if there was any discussion about a weapon. He said: "I knew there would be a firearm involved." He told the court Tongo called him later and told him the route the taxi would take on the evening of 13 November 2010. Shrien Dewani, who is on trial in South Africa, denies any involvement in his wife's death Describing the carjacking, Qwabe said: "[Mngeni] had the gun. As it [Tongo's car] approached I got into the driver's side. "[Mngeni] got into the passenger side and Zola got into the back. I saw in the (rear view) window a guy and behind me was a lady," he said. "I ordered Zola to get out of the car. He told me the money was in a pouch behind the front passenger door. "I stopped the vehicle, I asked the husband to get out of the car. "The husband was now out of the vehicle and I drove on." Qwabe told the court he was behind the wheel when Anni was fatally wounded. Anni Dewani was killed in the back of a taxi in South Africa He said he was concentrating on the road at the moment Mngeni killed her. "I heard a gun shot. [Mngeni] said 'I shot the lady'. "I pulled over on to the pavement and stopped the car. I saw she [Anni] was on the back seat of the car." Qwabe said he found the bullet casing then threw his gloves away. He told the court 10,000 rand was in the pouch and 4,000 rand was seized from "the husband". Qwabe admitted he had lied in court at a bail hearing before he admitted his guilt over the murder. Francois van Zyl, representing Dewani, said: "At that bail hearing you testified under oath, you pleaded not guilty because you said you had an alibi. Is that a lie?" Anni Dewani's father, Vinod Hindocha, was among family members to attend the trial in Cape Town Qwabe replied: "My lawyer at the time told me to plead not guilty." Mr van Zyl said: "I repeat the question. Was that a lie under oath?" Qwabe answered: "Yes." The court was told there had been no conversations with Tongo about how Anni would be killed, only that it had to look like a hijacking. Mr van Zyl asked: "You never had a discussion about how this woman was going to be killed?" Qwabe answered: "No, sir." He told the court it was not decided who would strike the fatal blow, what weapon would be used, or where the killing would take place. The trial was adjourned until Thursday. More on This Story http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-29534010
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 08, 2014, 04:09:08 PM
Like a fox in a corner, clever fox, he cried mental health issues and the idiots in the UK accepted it, we have to protect murderers in this country dont you know.
I know Africa i lived there. IF you dont give a gunman what they want they shoot you they dont ask you, they shoot you or hack you to death. A real attack would have raped her, and maybe even him, and killed them both and even taken her beautiful shoes.
They dont leave witnesses. When we were there in Nairobi a journalist was killed because he wouldnt give over his car. He managed to explain to police before he died. I think then they were coming in from Uganda like bloody pirates.
That poor sad girl, what a horrible way to die. God rest her soul.
I dont even care if this guy is gay or straight, but he has an evil heart either way.
Yes.... another poor girl dead at the hands of evil. He has had plenty of time for rehearsal though. Why do they give them so much time, excuses, excuses, before going to court? It baffles me. Her family are suffering the same as Reeva's. Very sad. This world of easy killing, is getting worse by the minute and the courts are not helping it, one bit.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 08, 2014, 04:23:32 PM
From 6th Monday
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 08, 2014, 05:19:47 PM
latest.........
Dewani trial: hitman says 'My understanding was that a lady would be killed'
Hitman tells court how he was hired to kill wife of honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani
By Aislinn Laing, Cape Town 9:33AM BST 08 Oct 2014 Shrien Dewani has come face to face with the man he allegedly hired to murder his wife during their honeymoon in Cape Town for the first time since the night of the shooting four years ago. Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 29, is one of two prosecution witnesses who have claimed that Shrien Dewani paid them to kill his wife Anni in an allegedly staged carjacking. Both he and Zola Tongo, the couple’s taxi driver, were given reduced sentences in return for their guilty pleas and are now both due to testify against their alleged paymaster. A third man who helped broker the deal, Monde Mbolombo, was granted immunity from prosecution on the same grounds. Qwabe told the court Tongo confirmed the hit shortly before the shooting by texting him that “the husband wanted the job done that night”.
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Mziwamadoda Qwabe (AP) Qwabe and co-convict Xolile Mngeni forced the Dewanis' taxi to a stop at gunpoint as they drove through a Cape township on the way home from dinner on November 13, 2010. Tongo and Mr Dewani were pushed out of the Volkswagen Sharan one by one as Qwabe drove at “very high speed”, he said. Mrs Dewani was found dead on the back seat of the abandoned car the following morning, with a single gunshot to her neck that had severed her spine. Qwabe, dressed in a black and fluorescent green Nike top and wearing glasses, was brought into the court flanked by armed prison offers. As he spoke he was watched intently by Mr Dewani, 34, from the dock. The defendant showed little emotion and made notes in a bulky file on his knee. Having left South Africa before any suspects were arrested or identity parades were conducted, the last time he would have seen Qwabe was on the night of the attack. Qwabe said he had been contacted the day before the murder by a man he previously worked with as a tour guide on Table Mountain who told him “there was a job that needed to be done”. He said he told Monde Mbolombo, by then working as a hotel receptionist, to give the person his number. He said he then received a call from Zola Tongo. “He said he had a job to be done, someone needed someone killed, how much would that be,” he told the court. “When Zola phoned I was with my co-accused Xolile Mngeni. I conveyed him the message and he said he would do it for the price of R15,000 (£834).” The three men met the following day in Tongo’s car at a shopping mall in Khayelitsha township. “Tongo said it was a husband who wanted his wife killed but it had to look like a hijacking," he said. He was asked by the prosecutor what his understanding of “the job” was as the meeting ended. “That a lady would be killed and we would do it by hijacking. Nothing would happen to the husband or Zola,” Qwabe replied. The next day, he said, he corresponded with Tongo by text message and arranged that they would attack the car at an intersection in Gugulethu township. He said Tongo later told him in a message he sent as the Dewanis ate a sushi dinner in nearby Somerset West that “the husband wanted the job done that night”. He said he and Mngeni waited at a designated intersection and when the car approached, forced their way in with Mngeni waving a handgun. He said he got in to the driver’s seat and Mngeni sat in the passenger seat facing the Dewanis in the back. "He said keep quiet, not to try anything, things like that," he said. He said as Tongo got out of the car, he told him in the Xhosa language that the agreed payment was in the pocket behind the front passenger seat. Asked if the money was the agreed amount, he said they found R10,000 and he complained to Mbolombo the next day that “the money was short”. Qwabe said he didn’t recall the reaction of Mr Dewani to being forced out of the car. He said he was busy looking at the road, but remembered "resistance". When he heard a shot, he said, he pulled over. Before they abandoned the car with Mrs Dewani’s body, he searched for and found the spent bullet casing. Adrian Mopp, the prosecutor, asked him: “Did you see if she was alive or dead?" Mrs Dewani’s family craned forward to hear his response. "I didn't take much notice," he said. Qwabe, 29, was handed a 25-year prison sentence, cut from life, in August 2012 after he pleaded guilty to involvement in the case. Tongo was given an 18-year sentence, while Mombolbo was granted immunity from prosecution in return for giving evidence. The case continues. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/11147894/Shrien-Dewani-trial-for-honeymoon-murder-latest.html
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: puglove on October 08, 2014, 07:38:46 PM
The day after Anni's murder, Dewani was looking at gay websites......
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 08, 2014, 09:43:04 PM
Yes.... another poor girl dead at the hands of evil. He has had plenty of time for rehearsal though. Why do they give them so much time, excuses, excuses, before going to court? It baffles me. Her family are suffering the same as Reeva's. Very sad. This world of easy killing, is getting worse by the minute and the courts are not helping it, one bit.
Totally agree Anna.
I wonder if they dealt with him with kid gloves for fear of racist comment. If they hounded him then the race card can be deployed. I wonder if it was just a white chav in same circumstances would not have been thrown back to the lions literally. Sorry i feel sad even writing this, but i cant for the life of me think why he wasnt sent back straight away.
All this phaffing about mental health issues. ANYONE can fake that and there are some very gullible people out there who can be hoodwinked....
I am truly hoping he doesnt get away with it. Reeva well sadly she was let down. Anyone with half a brain knows what happened there.
I give up sometimes to be honest. I actually sort of dont watch the news anymore because it is far tooo depressing. x
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 09, 2014, 01:29:03 PM
I wonder if they dealt with him with kid gloves for fear of racist comment. If they hounded him then the race card can be deployed. I wonder if it was just a white chav in same circumstances would not have been thrown back to the lions literally. Sorry i feel sad even writing this, but i cant for the life of me think why he wasnt sent back straight away.
All this phaffing about mental health issues. ANYONE can fake that and there are some very gullible people out there who can be hoodwinked....
I am truly hoping he doesnt get away with it. Reeva well sadly she was let down. Anyone with half a brain knows what happened there.
I give up sometimes to be honest. I actually sort of dont watch the news anymore because it is far tooo depressing. x
I dont watch the news on a regular basis either....Too depressing, upsetting and unbelievale at times, what people will do to others. Disasters upset me terribly too. Guess I am a bit of a softie or wimp. However the innocent need protection from the evil forces around us and swift justice for the crimes commited against them. Why should a criminal have time to reflect, when his victim does not
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 09, 2014, 01:44:20 PM
Shrien Dewani surfed a gay fetish hook-up website the day after his murdered wife's body was found on their honeymoon,
court documents suggested yesterday. In a series of dramatic admissions, the millionaire businessman said he accessed homosexual sites in the days before and after the death of Anni Dewani which he is accused of orchestrating. The 34-year-old, who claims to be bi-sexual, used the logon name of 'asiansubguy' to take out premium membership of Recon, according to his admissions statement released by the court. The term 'sub' is believed to refer to 'submissive'. The document shows he was signed into Recon the day before Mrs Dewani was killed and two days after she died, staying logged on for several hours. Recon describes itself as the 'world's largest hook-up site for men into fetish gear' and has 38,000 members. He also logged onto gay dating website Gaydar while he and his new bride waited for an internal flight after two nights at a safari lodge on their luxury getaway. Gaydar boasts of being 'the premier gay dating site. Home to millions of men'.
Scroll down for video Accused: Shrien Dewani arrives at the high court in Cape Town for the second day of his murder trial Dewani also dialled into the site from the Cape Grace hotel, but deactivated his accounts with the websites a week after 28-year-old Mrs Dewani's murder. He had been a member for six years. It had earlier been revealed that he had used Gaydar to connect with a male prostitute known as the German Master. The bulky 'List of Admissions' documents were handed into the Western Cape High Court as facts accepted by Dewani and his defence team ahead of the trial. RELATED ARTICLESPrevious1Next British parliamentary aide 'who had gay sex with Shrien Dewani at London nightclub' to appear as... ‘He was guilty the moment he left Anni’: Parents of Shrien Dewani’s murdered bride say their... According to the bundle, Mrs Dewani's cousin Sneha Hindocha made a secret recording of a meeting between Anni's family and Dewani ten days after her murder, apparently already suspicious of his possible involvement. Mrs Dewani had confessed serious doubts about her relationship with Dewani to Sneha including the spurning of her sexual advances.
'World's largest hook-up site for men into fetish gear': Court documents revealed Dewani surfed the bondage website Recon (above) the day after his wife's body was found 'Surfing on his honeymoon': Dewani also logged onto gay dating website Gaydar (above) while he and his new bride waited for an internal flight after two nights at a luxury safari lodge Earlier, a hitman convicted of murdering Mrs Dewani told the murder trial how he was hired by the millionaire's tour guide to carry out the killing. Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 29, said he was approached by Dewani's taxi driver who told him 'there was a husband who wanted his wife killed' hours before she was shot. Qwabe, who is serving a 25-year sentence after admitting the murder, claimed he and an accomplice were promised R15,000 (£1,300 at previous rates) to carry out the attack. Prosecutors allege Qwabe was hired by Dewani through his taxi driver and guide Zola Tongo to kill his new bride in a staged carjacking in November 2010. Taking the stand today, Qwabe told how he took a call from a friend called Monde the day before Mrs Dewani was killed. 'He told me that there was a job that needed to be done,' Qwabe said. 'I said he could hand over my phone number to the person who needed the job done and he could call me. I got the call the same day from a man, his name was Zola (Tongo).' Qwabe said he was with accomplice Xolile Mngeni - who ended up carrying out the contract killing with him - when he took the call. The men met up the next day, on the morning of the murder.
Hitman: Mziwamadoda Qwabe (pictured after being charged with the murder of Anni Dewani, which he later admitted) has taken the stand in Shrien Dewani's murder trial Qwabe added: 'Zola said someone wanted somebody killed and did I know anyone. 'He said there was a husband who wanted his wife killed but it had to look like a hijacking. We agreed on the route and where the hijacking was going to happen.' They agreed that a good place would be near Mzoli's - a well-known restaurant popular with tourists - in the sprawling township of Khayelitsha, Qwabe told the court. He said they agreed a fee of R15,000 (around £1,300 at the exchange rate at the time) which would be left in 'a cubby hole in the backseat of the car'. He added that Tongo arrived for the meeting with Qwabe in the same car in which Mrs Dewani's body was discovered the following morning. On the evening of the killing, Qwabe and Mngeni, whose nickname is Watti, met up at a bar to await a call from Tongo, he said. He later called them from a restaurant outside Cape Town where he had driven the newlyweds for dinner. 'He said that the husband wanted the job done that same evening,' Qwabe told the hushed court, as Dewani shook his head firmly in the dock. The hired killers 'proceeded to the corner we had agreed on. I had kitchen gloves on so I didn't leave fingerprints.' Once they arrived at the corner, Qwabe received a text message from Zola to say 'they were close by'. Qwabe was urinating up against a fence when he saw the car approaching the corner and shouted at his accomplice: 'Here's the car.' 'As it approached, it stopped, my accused (Mngeni) pointed a gun at it. 'I got into the driver's seat, Watti got into the passenger's seat, Zola got in at the back left hand side, there was a guy and a lady. 'I drove the vehicle. Watti was facing the passengers in the back, telling them to be quiet and all those things'. Almost immediately after setting off, they ordered Tongo out of the car, he said. 'As he got out, he said the money was in a pouch behind the front passenger door. He spoke in Xhosa,' Qwabe said. The contract killers continued with just the newlyweds in the car and then 20 minutes later, the car stopped and the men ordered Dewani out of the vehicle, telling him 'to go to one of the nearby houses and report the incident, the hijacking'.
Support: Anni Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha (centre), mother Nilam (bottom) and sister Ami Denborge arrive at the high court in Cape Town to hear further details about her death
Asked by the prosecutor if there was resistance by Dewani, Qwabe answered: 'I don't recall.' 'I heard a gunshot. After the gunshot, I got a shock. Watti replied that he had shot the lady. 'I pulled over on to the pavement and stopped the car. I saw she (Anni) was on the back seat of the car.' They opened the back door, where Anni was now taking her last breaths having suffered a fatal and paralysing gunshot wound to the neck, he added. The family of Mrs Dewani had pain etched on their faces as they strained to hear every word spoken by Qwabe about her last, terrifying moments. Shrien Dewani's family also looked grief-stricken on the opposite side of the court. In the dock, Dewani scribbled furiously in a file of papers, writing with his left hand, betraying little emotion apart from perhaps mild irritation with the testimony he was hearing. Qwabe said they shared the money that Mngeni had retrieved from the back of the car - R10,000 from the car in two bundles 'which was short of the R15,000' - and shared the phones to sell them. Qwabe said he went back to Kyelitsha and spent the rest of the night socialising. 'Mngeni said he would sort it out [the missing money] with Mondo as he was the one who had arranged the job. I wanted the other R5,000' A few days later, police arrived at his house to arrest him just as he was watching a football match on television between South Africa and the USA. After initially denying involvement in the murder, he confessed to his part and helped recover the firearm.
Strain: Shrien Dewani's mother Snila and father Prakash (centre) arrive with family members for the trial Shrien Dewani pleads not guilty to the murder of his wife Anni Shrien Dewani is driven away from the High Court at the end of the second day of his murder trial Wearing a white T-shirt, black Nike sports jacket with luminous yellow piping, Qwabe confirmed he was arrested only days after Mrs Dewani's body was found in the back of an abandoned taxi. He confirmed to prosecutor Adrian Mopp that he had identified his accomplices, Mngeni and Tongo, after his arrest. Under cross-examination by Dewani's counsel, Francois van Zyl, Qwabe admitted that he had previously lied in court at a bail hearing before he eventually admitted his guilt over Mrs Dewani's death in 2012. Mr van Zyl said: 'At that bail hearing, you testified under oath you pleaded not guilty because you said you had an alibi. Is that a lie?' 'My lawyer at the time told me to pleaded not guilty, Qwabe' Pressing further, Mr van Zyl said: 'I repeat the question. Was that a lie under oath?' Qwabe answered: 'Yes.' Qwabe said there were no conversations with Tongo about how the victim would be killed, only that it had to look like a hijacking. Mr van Zyl asked: 'You never had a discussion about how this woman was going to be killed?' 'No, sir,' Qwabe said. He said it was not decided who would strike the fatal blow, what weapon would be used, or where the killing would take place. Earlier, Qwabe was escorted into the witness box by heavily-armed prison guards, having been driven to court early in a prison van. It was the first time that Dewani had seen the hitman he is accused of recruiting since the fateful night of November 13 when his new bride was killed. The accused looked firmly down at his own hands in the dock rather than cast his gaze in the direction of the self-confessed killer as he gave evidence.
Shrien Dewani with his wife Anni, whom he is accused of murdering by hiring at hitman to stage a violent carjacking on their honeymoon in South Africa four years ago Dewani, 34, denies plotting to have his wife kidnapped and murdered on their honeymoon to South Africa in November 2010. Prosecutors are expected to say the wealthy businessman's secret life as a gay man who frequented fetish clubs, chatrooms and slept with male prostitutes motivated Dewani to want his new wife dead. Bristol-based Dewani is accused of recruiting Tongo within hours of arriving in Cape Town on their honeymoon, tasking him with organising the murder which was disguised as a violent 'carjacking' as the couple were driven on a late-night township tour. Pleading guilty to kidnapping, robbery, murder and illegal possession of a firearm, Qwabe appeared at the same court two years ago where Dewani is now on trial. He later gave evidence at the trial of his accomplice Mngeni, which was attended by Mrs Dewani's family, who live in Sweden, and and offered them an apology from the witness box. 'I truly and humbly regret and apologise about what happened to your daughter. 'If ever, or whenever, they can find it in their hearts to forgive me, I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart,' he told them. Mngeni, who is suffering from untreatable cancer, is believed to be too ill to take the stand. Shrien and Anni Dewani pictured on South African hotel CCTV On the opening day of Dewani's trial on Monday, the millionaire dramatically admitted he was bisexual and had used male prostitutes. The businessman confessed to sleeping with Leopold Leisser – nicknamed the German Master – and other escorts he had met online or in gay clubs. As the parents of his late wife Anni sat yards from him in the packed courtroom, he confessed their daughter had found him intense and controlling and they fought frequently during their 18-month relationship. But he denied having her shot in a staged carjacking on their Cape Town honeymoon four years ago. In a statement read by his lawyer, Dewani said: 'I have had sexual interaction with both males and females. I consider myself to be bisexual.' Dewani suggested the sex with men was merely a question of physical encounters with virtual strangers. 'My sexual interactions with males were mostly physical experiences or email chats with people I met online or in clubs, including prostitutes such as Leopold Leisser,' he said. 'My sexual interactions with females were usually during the course of a relationship which consisted of other activities and emotional attachment.'
Leisser, who is expected to be a prosecution witness, has told how he met the tycoon for drug-fuelled sex games three times during the build-up to the latter's wedding in October 2010. Dewani, 34, and from Bristol, is said to have begged him to humiliate and racially abuse him. He told how a few months after meeting his future wife he had testosterone replacement therapy because of 'abnormally low hormone levels' which he was warned might have harmed his chances of fatherhood. Crime scene: Anni Dewani died from a gunshot to her neck after the taxi (above) that the couple were being driven in was 'carjacked' by two armed men, which prosecutors claimed was orchestrated by her husband But he insisted he was instantly physically attracted to his wife when they first met in May 2009, and he sensed there was a mutual chemistry. Swedish-born Anni, 28, was shot in the neck after gunmen stormed the couple's taxi when they visited a township in Cape Town. Dewani, who took £7,000 cash with him to South Africa, is accused of paying hitmen £1,200 to kill Anni during a fake robbery organised by his taxi driver Zola Tongo. He insists he had nothing to do with the crime and was ordered out of the car at gunpoint. Dewani, who is being held at Cape Town's Valkenberg psychiatric hospital, appeared distracted for much of the hearing. He later bowed his head and wept as footage was shown of his wife's body slumped in the taxi where she was shot. He spoke only twice – when asked to enter a plea and then to confirm the truth of his statement. He denied charges of murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice. Anni's father, Vinod Hindocha, shook as Dewani entered his plea. Her mother Nilam, 62, brother Anish, 25, uncle Ashok, 53, and cousin Nishma, 25, were also in court.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2784661/Hitman-hired-Dewani-kill-new-bride-Anni-staged-carjacking-set-stand-murder-trial.html#ixzz3FeK4pn2F Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 09, 2014, 03:43:44 PM
I don't know much about the case/background but I wonder if he was gay rather than bisexual? Apparently he spurned Anni's sexual advances and was undergoing fertility treatment!?
What reason has been given for why he married Anni?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 09, 2014, 03:56:25 PM
I don't know much about the case/background but I wonder if he was gay rather than bisexual? Apparently he spurned Anni's sexual advances and was undergoing fertility treatment!?
What reason has been given for why he married Anni?
Hi Holly. He said that he loved her. He was indeed having hormone treatmrnt for an apparent deficiency. I think a marraige of convenience was why he married.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 09, 2014, 09:55:47 PM
Hi Holly. He said that he loved her. He was indeed having hormone treatmrnt for an apparent deficiency. I think a marraige of convenience was why he married.
Thanks Anna. So if it was a marriage of convenience etc I would have thought he would have gone along with it for a while and maybe tried to produce a child or two and then look to orchestrate Anni's murder. He could then live the life of the grieving widower with their children whilst secretly indulging in his gay/bisexual lifestyle.
It makes no sense to me why he married Anni and then arranged her murder on honeymoon. He wasn't committed to her in anyway eg children, financially. But I know hardly anything about the case so I'm probably way off the mark. The case seems loaded against him.
Many years ago I had a gay neighbour. He told me he had more affairs with married men with children than gay men.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 09, 2014, 11:19:33 PM
Thanks Anna. So if it was a marriage of convenience etc I would have thought he would have gone along with it for a while and maybe tried to produce a child or two and then look to orchestrate Anni's murder. He could then live the life of the grieving widower with their children whilst secretly indulging in his gay/bisexual lifestyle.
It makes no sense to me why he married Anni and then arranged her murder on honeymoon. He wasn't committed to her in anyway eg children, financially. But I know hardly anything about the case so I'm probably way off the mark. The case seems loaded against him.
Many years ago I had a gay neighbour. He told me he had more affairs with married men with children than gay men.
Sorry Holly, I have had visitors for most the day.I think that marraige is expected of their children and he would probably have gone along with it for longer. We don't know yet that he is guilty of murder, but he has put on a gay site that he is highly sexed(to say the least) Maybe he couldnt wait? Not sure what the reasons were. there is a timeline link at bottom and if I can find it a panarama programme that can bring you up to date. I worked for 2 gay chaps a long time ago and it was good not to have them try to get too close etc as did some straight men back then.
Hi Holly. He said that he loved her. He was indeed having hormone treatmrnt for an apparent deficiency. I think a marraige of convenience was why he married.
Thats one thing puzzles me.
Something not right about this. Why go to all the trouble of getting married as a FRONT to his homosexuality as its against their religious beliefs and frowned on then kill his bride?
OR did she find out about him. I dont expect she was a stupid person, and perhaps something he did or said, or a look he gave someone made her realise she had gotten into a false marriage and was going to out him when they got back home, so he had to think quickly.
Otherwise if that wasnt the case why kill her.
He could pretend to have a wonderful marriage, and still enjoy enjoy his homosexual urges I am sure many marriages are like this.
It doesnt quite add up which irks me lol. So i think something went off either just before the marriage or after as they were going on holiday.
The statements by the killers seem to constant, and the details are not over exaggerated which makes me feel they are telling the truth. Its difficult for 3 people to all agree if that makes sense.
What do you think Anna?
They say in Africa they would sell their soul for a rand, and when i lived there I didnt see that in Nairobi, I had wonderful African friends who cared about me and my children, but in shanty towns is different. We have no clue as to what poverty they have to endure. £1,300 is like a kings ransom would feed a tribe for a year.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 01:55:40 PM
Dewani trial: middle-man ‘had greater role in killing’Monde Mbolombo tells police he helped to arrange the supply of rubber gloves for the gunmen who killed Anni Dewani
The Guardian, Thursday 9 October 2014 13.54 BST Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape high court for his trial. Photograph: Foto24/Getty Images A man who recruited hitmen to murder Shrien Dewani’s wife, Anni, and was granted immunity from prosecution played a bigger role in the killing than previously thought, a court heard on Thursday.
Hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo, said to be a middle-man in the plot, gave a new statement to police last month and, it emerged, helped arrange rubber gloves for the gunmen to conceal their fingerprints.
Dewani, 34, is accused of orchestrating the killing of his wife in a staged hijacking during their honeymoon in South Africa in November 2010. Citing evidence that he surfed gay websites, prosecutors are expected to argue that he was looking for a way out of his marriage.
On Thursday Dewani rarely sat still, his eyes darting around the high court in Cape Town, and grimaced and had to leave the dock briefly because of a stomach upset. The court continued to hear evidence from Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who claimed that Mbolombo was merely a “link man”.
But defence counsel Francois van Zyl confronted him with phone records showing several phones calls between Qwabe and Mbolombo before and after the killing of Swedish-born Anni Dewani, who was 28.
Qwabe responded: “To say he was ’involved’ would be a strong word because he was only the conduit between me and Zola [Tongo, the taxi driver].”
But Van Zyl said the defence had obtained audio recordings and CCTV footage from the hotel reception desk where Mbolombo worked. They included a conversation in which Mbolombo can be heard telling Tongo that the men wanted gloves.
Qwabe, who wore gloves on the night of the carjacking, said he did not know. “He was just a link,” he insisted.
But Van Zyl argued that Mbolombo played a bigger role. “If that is true then Monde was more than just a link. He’s now part and parcel here of this whole plan.”
Mbolombo turned state witness and was granted immunity from prosecution last year when he testified in the trial of Xolile Mngeni, who fired the fatal shot that killed Anni Dewani. But he gave a new statement last month after the audio recordings came to light.
Van Zyl also referred Qwabe to phone records showing that Mbolombo had contact with him after 8pm and after 9pm on the night of the murder. “Monde Mbolombo spoke to you a number of times. Was that just to make idle conversation?”
Earlier, Qwabe had claimed that he had no further contact with Mbolombo after he had recruited him and Mngeni as hitmen.
It also emerged that the gloves worn by Qwabe tested positive for gunshot residue – even though he claims he did not fire the fatal shot.
Qwabe is serving 25 years in jail for his role in the murder after entering into a plea bargain with the state in 2012.
Dewani has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap, robbery with aggravating circumstances and obstructing the administration of justice.
On the first day of the trial he said he was bisexual. Court documents apparently show that he surfed gay websites during his honeymoon and soon after his wife’s death.
Court adjourned immediately after lunch following complaints by Qwabe of stomach cramps. It will resume on Monday. http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/oct/09/dewani-trial-middle-man-claims-greater-role-monde-mbolombo
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 02:11:32 PM
Something not right about this. Why go to all the trouble of getting married as a FRONT to his homosexuality as its against their religious beliefs and frowned on then kill his bride?
OR did she find out about him. I dont expect she was a stupid person, and perhaps something he did or said, or a look he gave someone made her realise she had gotten into a false marriage and was going to out him when they got back home, so he had to think quickly.
Otherwise if that wasnt the case why kill her.
He could pretend to have a wonderful marriage, and still enjoy enjoy his homosexual urges I am sure many marriages are like this.
It doesnt quite add up which irks me lol. So i think something went off either just before the marriage or after as they were going on holiday.
The statements by the killers seem to constant, and the details are not over exaggerated which makes me feel they are telling the truth. Its difficult for 3 people to all agree if that makes sense.
What do you think Anna?
They say in Africa they would sell their soul for a rand, and when i lived there I didnt see that in Nairobi, I had wonderful African friends who cared about me and my children, but in shanty towns is different. We have no clue as to what poverty they have to endure. £1,300 is like a kings ransom would feed a tribe for a year.
My dearest friend is South African. she came over here as a nurse when she was young and having met her family whilst they were here on holiday, they didnt appear poor, but there are people everywhere in the world who will kill for naxt to nothing. There are also poor areas everywhere......some more desperate than others I guess. I can not understand why this beautiful young woman had to die. Is it possible that once he had shared her bed, he found the situation more than he could live with ? Why would anybody else want to kill her? There was no evidence of anything suggesting robbery or rape at the scene was there? Why would the killers confess to something they didnt do? We will have to wait and see what the whole story is when the trial gets further along. I believe the killers had already been in prison.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on October 10, 2014, 02:23:57 PM
My dearest friend is South African. she came over here as a nurse when she was young and having met her family whilst they were here on holiday, they didnt appear poor, but there are people everywhere in the world who will kill for naxt to nothing. There are also poor areas everywhere......some more desperate than others I guess. I can not understand why this beautiful young woman had to die. Is it possible that once he had shared her bed, he found the situation more than he could live with ? Why would anybody else want to kill her? There was no evidence of anything suggesting robbery or rape at the scene was there? Why would the killers confess to something they didnt do? We will have to wait and see what the whole story is when the trial gets further along. I believe the killers had already been in prison.
Some good questions Anna, many of which I also have pondered at length. I found the interview with Anni's sister and parents aired on Sky News last Friday to be very revealing. Just four hours before she was murdered Anni told her family that she had something important to share with them and would do so on her return to Bristol. Undoubtedly, she found out something which sealed her fate.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 02:30:28 PM
Some good questions Anna, many of which I also have pondered at length. I found the interview with Anni's sister and parents aired on Sky News last Friday to be very revealing. Just four hours before she was murdered Anni told her family that she had something important to share with them and would do so on her return to Bristol. Undoubtedly, she found out something which sealed her fate.
A fair possibility that she discovered his secret then. What a terrible thing for a new bride to discover. The whole affair Stinks!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 02:32:06 PM
news update on 9th oct
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 02:56:05 PM
It seems that his sexual appetite, came high in his list of priorities
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shrien Dewani described himself as 'submissive, filthy-minded and perverted' in his profile on a gay hook-up website, it was claimed today.
The millionaire used the logon 'asiansubguy' to access Gaydar on his honeymoon two days before he allegedly arranged the murder of his wife Anni, court papers suggest. On a profile cited as belonging to him, it states a preference for hooking up with men aged between 18 and 99 years old 'for 1-on-1 sex, group sex or other activities... with single gays or bisexuals'.
It describes the user as a 'passive' partner who practiced safe sex 'always'.
Shrien Dewani (pictured outside court today) reportedly described himself as 'submissive, filthy-minded and perverted' in a profile on a gay hook-up website which he accessed on his honeymoon Trawling for men: A profile believed to have been used by Dewani on the gay hook-up website Gaydar shows the user is looking 'for 1-on-1 sex, group sex or other activities... with single gays or bisexuals' Describing his body type as 'defined', Dewani apparently cites himself as 'submissive c*********, filthy-minded and perverted' who is looking for like-minded partners the 'same as me, filthy and perverted but safe.'
Dewani was a member of Gaydar from 2004 until deactivating his account a week after her murder. Gaydar boasts of being 'the premier gay dating site. Home to millions of men'. Leopold Leisser, the gay escort Dewani admits to having liaisons with, is expected to give evidence in court next week, having met Dewani via Gaydar. RELATED ARTICLESPrevious1Next Shrien Dewani surfed gay fetish dating website the day after his wife Anni's body was found, South... In his statement to police, British-based Mr Leisser, known to his clients as the German Master, said Dewani liked to be physically and verbally abused with fetish paraphernalia and racially-insulting names. An admissions bundle released by the court yesterday suggested Dewani had also surfed a gay fetish hook-up website the day after his murdered wife's body was found. The 34-year-old, who claims to be bi-sexual, used the logon name of 'asiansubguy' to take out premium membership of Recon, according to his admissions statement released by the court. The term 'sub' is believed to refer to 'submissive'. The document shows he was signed into Recon the day before Mrs Dewani was killed and two days after she died, staying logged on for several hours. Shrien Dewani's parents, Shila and Prakash (centre) arrive at the Western Cape High Court Anni Dewani's uncle, Ashok Hindocha (left) and State prosecutor Shireen Riley (right) arrive at court Recon describes itself as the 'world's largest hook-up site for men into fetish gear' and has 38,000 members. Senior executives from gay and fetish websites Gaydar and Recon are scheduled to be early witnesses for the state against Dewani in his murder trial. Described by court insiders as 'technical experts', two senior figures from Gaydar and Recon are being flown to South Africa by prosecutors who are keen to demonstrate that Dewani’s secret life as a gay man was a strong motive for wanting his new bride killed. It will be essential for prosecutor Adrian Mopp to establish that electronic devices owned by Dewani could only have been logged into the sites if he was actually operating his phone or computer himself, using his chosen user names and password. It is thought that Dewani’s lawyers will seek to cast doubt over the fact that it was the Bristol-based businessman who was actively visiting the sites and that as a premium paying member, his phone or laptop could connect to them automatically. When one a source close to the businessman’s defence team was yesterday asked outside court about the fact that Dewani was surfing fetish and gay websites - sometimes simultaneously - he replied curtly that 'his computer was logged onto them, not him, there is a difference.' 'Surfing on his honeymoon': Dewani logged onto gay dating website Gaydar (above) while he and his new bride waited for an internal flight after two nights at a luxury safari lodge 'World's largest hook-up site for men into fetish gear': Court documents revealed Dewani surfed the bondage website Recon (above) the day after his wife's body was found Meanwhile, the role of a middle man who recruited two hit men on behalf of Dewani's driver today emerged as a more significant player in the killing of Mrs Dewani. Monde Mbolombo has provided police with a new version of the part he played in the November 2010 murder in recent weeks which directly contradicted the evidence he gave at earlier hearings, it was revealed today. One of the hit men convicted over the murder, Mziwamadoda Qwambe, has repeatedly downplayed Mbolombo's role during his testimony, including under fierce cross-examination by Francois van Zyl, insisting that Mbolombo was merely 'a link man'. Mbolombo was granted immunity from prosecution in return for giving evidence against Tongo and the two hit men he briefed to carry out the contract killing. He is expected to be called by the state in the weeks to come. Mr van Zyl confronted Qwabe with phone records which showed Mbolombo called him repeatedly before and after the death of Mrs Dewani. The defence has also obtained CCTV footage and audio recordings from the hotel reception desk where Mbolombo worked, in which he is heard to be giving Tongo instructions about providing gloves for the hit men, the court heard. 'If that is true then Monde was more than just a link. He's now part and parcel here of this whole plan,' Mr van Zyl told Qwambe. Court proceedings adjourned early for the day after Qwabe complained of an upset stomach which made him 'too uncomfortable' to give evidence. Earlier in the day, Dewani appeared extremely fidgety and had to leave the dock - his lawyer telling the court that his stomach was also bothering him.
Hitman: Mziwamadoda Qwabe (pictured, right, at an earlier hearing) claims he and an accomplice were promised R15,000 (£1,300) to shoot Anni Dewani in a carjacking on the couple's Cape Town honeymoon
Yesterday, Qwabe, 29, told the court how he and an accomplice were promised R15,000 (£1,300) to shoot Mrs Dewani in a staged carjacking. But the millionaire's defence team made early gains towards clearing Dewani of any involvement by getting Qwabe to admit he had received no instructions about how or where his new bride would be killed. Under cross-examination from defence counsel Francois van Zyl, Qwabe also admitted he had previously lied under oath. The former insurance worker told the trial yesterday how he was first told about the 'job' to kill the 28-year–old the previous night by Dewani's taxi driver Zola Tongo. Qwabe, who was jailed for 25 years for his part in the execution, claimed Tongo told him: 'There was a husband who wanted his wife killed.' He then organised the plot in a 20-minute meeting the following day – just hours before she was shot dead after they ambushed Tongo's cab. But Qwabe admitted that despite accepting promise of payment for the hit, he had not discussed details about how she would be killed. 'You accepted an instruction to kill someone for R15,000 (£1,300 at rates at the time)... but you never even thought about how this person had to be killed?', asked Mr van Zyl. Qwabe replied 'no'.
Shrien Dewani with his wife Anni, whom he is accused of murdering by hiring at hitman to stage a violent carjacking on their honeymoon in South Africa four years ago Shrien Dewani pleads not guilty to the murder of his wife Anni He added that he did not discuss the method or who would do it. In the next breath, however, he said before the night of the murder he gave his firearm to convicted gunman Xolile Mngeni. He said they both knew a firearm was going to be used, but they did not know when or where. 'That's why I got a shock after she had been shot,' he explained. Prosecutors claim 34-year-old entrepreneur Dewani wanted out of his marriage to Swedish-raised Anni and arranged a carjacking in which he survived and his wife did not. Qwabe described how he and accomplice Xolile Mngeni – who has also been convicted for the murder – waited to intercept the couple's cab as they toured a township. After a first aborted attempt, they seized the car at gunpoint and released driver Tongo and Dewani unharmed – telling him to ‘report the hijacking’. As the hitmen drove on, Mngeni shot Mrs Dewani. Qwabe said: ‘I got a shock. I asked him what he had done? He said he had shot the lady. ‘We had never discussed where she was going to be killed or how she was going to be killed. Asked if he knew if she was alive or not, he said: ‘I didn’t take much notice.’ After disposing of evidence, they counted the money that had been left by Tongo in a pouch – and found just £860.
The trial resumes on Monday.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 03:34:02 PM
Court live roundup part 1
Shrien Dewani trial live: Honeymoon murder plot - Recap updates from day 3 Oct 09, 2014 14:23 By Sam Rkaina British millionaire stands charged with arranging a hit on wife Anni, 28, in Cape Town two weeks after their lavish £200,000 wedding
The trial of Millionaire businessman Shrien Dewani, accused of killing his honeymoon bride, continued for a third day today.
Dewani, 34, is accused of masterminding a plot to have his wife Anni killed just days after they were married.
He faces five charges including two of murdering and kidnapping his wife. On Monday he pleaded not guilty to the charges which relate to the shooting in a Cape Town suburb in November 2010.
Today saw the continued questioning of Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who claims he was hired to kill Anni for around £830.
day 3 Qwabe, 29, has already been jailed for his part in the execution and is due to give evidence today and tomorrow.
But the trial never had much of a chance to get started due to a steady stream of adjournments due to technical problems and illness.
An increasingly frustrated judge adjourned the case until Monday after Qwabe and Dewani complained of stomach pains.
Shrien and Anni Dewani Wedding Video
8:30 am Day 3 of trial continues today Lawyers for a millionaire accused of arranging the honeymoon murder of his new bride will continue to question a hitman allegedly hired to carry out the crime.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 29, has already been jailed for his part in the execution of Anni Dewani as she and bisexual husband Shrien toured a South African township in November 2010.
Prosecutors claim 34-year-old entrepreneur Dewani wanted out of his marriage to Swedish-raised Anni and arranged a carjacking in which he survived and his wife did not.
Previously, Qwabe told Western Cape High Court how he was contacted by the Dewani's taxi driver Zola Tongo and said: "There was a husband who wanted his wife killed."
8:35 am Lied under oath But under cross-examination from defence counsel Francois van Zyl, Qwabe admitted he had previously lied under oath.
A record of admissions released by the court yesterday also revealed Dewani browsed gay websites in the days either side of his wife's death.
Dewani, extradited to South Africa during a four-year court battle, denies all charges including murder.
Mr van Zyl was due to continue his cross-examination today.
It is not known whether Dewani, from Westbury-on-Trym near Bristol, will give evidence in his own defence.
8:44 am Former tour guide In one night, Mziwamadoda Qwabe went from someone who helped tourists to enjoy the splendours of Cape Town, to one of the men responsible for killing a glamorous and wealthy visitor.
The 29-year-old former Table Mountain tour guide was jailed in 2012 for his part in the 2010 murder of Anni Dewani, the 28-year-old Swedish-raised model who was honeymooning in South Africa with her husband, British millionaire Shrien Dewani, when she was shot.
Despite being barely two years into a 25-year sentence for murder, kidnap, robbery and the illegal possession of a firearm, Qwabe was called upon by prosecutors today to give evidence in the case against Dewani - a bisexual man who, it is claimed, wanted to stage a carjacking in which he survived but his bride did not.
8:48 am Security for witness Western Cape High Court was told that Qwabe used to volunteer as a guide at Table Mountain, having graduated from college as an electrical engineer.
He later became an insurance salesman but was fired, and was unemployed by the time of Mrs Dewani's murder. He protected himself in the townships by carrying an illegal gun.
Standing at barely 5ft 6in, the bespectacled witness was ushered into court sandwiched between two heavily-set security guards.
The three walked in a line; Qwabe, without the restrictions of handcuffs, instructed to walk with his hands upon the shoulders of the guard in front.
8:56 am Poor memory Qwabe's entrance into court was through the main door, meaning the convicted killer had to walk within inches of the accused, filing past the Dewani family and the loved ones of the woman he helped to murder.
He was emotionless, almost nonchalant, as he described in dispassionate detail accepting the offer to kill, the moments leading up to carjacking the Dewani taxi, and when his partner, Xolile Mngeni, executed Mrs Dewani while Qwabe drove.
Did he plan how to kill Mrs Dewani? He was not sure. Did he discuss with Mngeni who would deliver the fatal blow? No. Was there any conversation about where it would happen? He could not recall.
8:57 am it's possible refrain Qwabe could, however, remember returning home after the murder and going out for a night on the town.
And he could also recall, with clarity, his arrest: "It was the Thursday. There was a match on television - South Africa and the USA."
Judge Jeanette Traverso appeared to tire of his "It's possible" refrain, however, instructing him to explain clearly what he meant.
He replied: "I'm not disputing what is put to me. It's possible."
The judge retired for the day soon afterwards.
Dewani denies all charges and the case is set to continue in the next few minutes.
8:59 am Shekhar BhatiaFamily back in court The family of Shrien Dewani are back in court today, for day 3 of his trial.
His father has been seen smiling, despite the intensely personal revelations about his son's private life in the last few days.
Today the witness Qwabe will continue being cross examined, and that is due to go on tomorrow as well.
9:11 am Shekhar BhatiaAnni's family arrive Anni Dewani's family have also arrived in court.
Dewani himself has entered the dock and hands his laptop and a sheet of written notes to one of his legal team.
Court will resume for day three of the trial shortly.
9:17 am Shekhar BhatiaAnother microphone adjournment Defence lawyer Van Zyl is going through list of undisputed facts by both sides.
Prosecutor Mopp confirms their acceptance and the Qwabe questioning resumes.
However, the court has farcically developed microphone problems again, after they were supposed to have been sorted out yesterday.
The trial has adjourned just minutes in day three to adjourn them.
9:29 am Shekhar BhatiaCourt resumes Court is back in session now after a brief adjournment.
The judge has asked that the audio facilities at the court is checked every morning.
It seems bizarre that this didn't happen anyway given the disruption faulty microphones caused yesterday.
Qwabe is now back on the stand and being questioned by the defence.
9:36 am Pensive Dewani The Guardian's David Smith is providing direct quotes from the trial again today on his Twitter profile.
Van Zyl asks Qwabe to look at affidavit by Zola Tongo: "According to Tongo, he did not speak to you at the stage."
"'A man was willing to pay in dollars.' Do you know anything about that?"
Qwabe: "I don't remember that conversation."
9:38 am Shekhar BhatiaHit payment Van Zyl is suggesting there was a conversation between Qwabe and taxi driver Tongo about the payment for the hit.
He says it would be in dollars, rather than the South African currency rand that Qwabe has claimed previously.
Qwabe denies this.
9:47 am Shekhar Bhatia'Perverted' dating profile An internet dating profile for Shrien Dewani describes him as being 'submissive, filthy minded and perverted', it has been revealed.
The millionaire businessman used the moniker "Asiansubguy" in his online profile on the homosexual hook up website Gaydar, court documents have shown.
9:48 am Shekhar BhatiaJudge quizzes Qwabe Van Zyl is looking for and picking holes in Qwabe's previous statements to the courts.
The killer on occasions says he 'cannot remember'.
Judge Traverso has asked: "Did you know all along that Mr Dewani wanted his wife killed?"
Qwabe replies: "I was told a husband wanted his wife killed."
9:57 am White gloves Qwabe on Monde Mbolombo: "To say he was 'involved' would be a strong word because he was only the conduit between me and Zola."
Van Zyl shakes head, says 'we have transcribed audio recordings from hotel reception desk'. The court will see CCTV footage later.
Van Zyl: "Monde spoke to Tongo for 58 seconds. Monde says those young men say they want white hands (gloves). The ones used by doctors."
Qwabe: "I don't know anything about gloves."
10:02 am Shekhar BhatiaVideo footage of killer conversation to come The video footage reportedly shows Monde speaking to the killers.
It has already been show on television but will be shown to the court later today.
Meanwhile Van Zyl has produced a large piece of paper with coloured markings showing various timelines of events.
10:06 am Shekhar BhatiaPhone records The court is now being shown phone records between fixer Monde, taxi driver Tongo and convicted killer Qwabe to set out who said what and when before the murder.
Van Zyl: "Can you tell us why you called Monde on the Saturday morning?"
Qwabe: "I can't recall the conversation I had with Monde at that time."
10:11 am Shekhar BhatiaMondo's role Mondo hasn't been charged despite helping put the hit on Anni together.
Qwabe insists he was only a link man between him and taxi driver Tongo.
The defence though, is trying to suggest he played a larger part in the killing.
10:15 am More than a link man Van Zyl: "If one looks at the objective facts, Monde clearly played a role in the events of that night... He was not just a link man."
Qwabe: "I'm not disputing that."
Van Zyl: "What we've seen here is much more than Monde just being the link between you and Tongo. There's much more than that."
10:16 am Shekhar BhatiaCourt adjourns Qwabe says Mondo rang to say "job must be done that night" as killers had missed Tongo's cab first time round.
Van Zyl "Mondo played a very definite role. Much more than a link between you and Tongo."
Qwabe: "He knew what was happening but he was a link".
The court has adjourned again. No details yet on why or for how long.
10:35 am Dewani parents
The family can be seen wearing their distinctive pin badges showing Anni's face.
10:46 am Shekhar BhatiaCourt resumes Court is now back in session after a half hour break.
Dewani has put his earphones on as Qwabe talks about his gloves which he got from home and were domestic yellow types.
The gloves were briefly mentioned in yesterday's hearing.
10:51 am Upfront payment? Qwabe: "It's possible I called Monde for gloves, I don't recall."
Van Zyl: "Monde is much more than link man. He takes part in the planning."
"Was there ever an arrangement that you would be paid something up front?
Qwabe: "It's possible."
10:58 am Shekhar BhatiaPayment arrangement Judge Traverso: "Was the only agreement about payment the money in the cubby hole?"
Qwabe: "Yes."
Dewani is looking down, apparently taking notes, a big ring binder in front of him.
11:03 am Dewani can't sit still Shrien Dewani is reportedly finding the trial difficult to sit through.
He is said to be grimacing as if in pain.
He has been seen to blow out several times, sipping water, closing his eyes and trying to steady himself.
He can't keep still in dock. On the first day he sobbed as he heard about what happened to Anni and yesterday he appeared to be holding back tears.
11:05 am Judge criticises delays Defence lawyer Van Zyl has told the court his client can't hear the accused, prompting harsh words from the judge.
Judge Traverso says: "This can't happen in a case of this nature, all these adjournments and delays".
Already this morning we have adjourned twice, along with other short adjournments due to technical problems in days one and two.
If the trial was being televised it would have risked descending into farce already, and there's still two months to go.
11:08 am Shekhar BhatiaTrial adjourned due - again The case has now been adjourned for the first time in roughly two hours.
The judge is clearly losing her patience over the constant interruptions, which would be irritating in any trial let alone one that is so serious and high profile.
The judge repeatedly asked a silent prosecutor Mopp if he needed an adjournment and then decided to take one.
Technicians are to look at the microphone set up yet again during the break.
11:17 am Court resumes after Dewani complained of upset stomach And we're back.
Defence lawyer Van Zyl has apologised for the delay.
He says Shrien Dewani needed a toilet break as he had an upset stomach.
Cross examination of the witness Qwabe should now continue
11:27 am The handbag with the money Van Zyl: "Why did you say to court in Xolile Mngeni's trial you can't recall who took the money between him and me? Now you say it's not you."
Qwabe: "I can't recall. When I saw the handbag for first time, it was already in possession of Mngeni."
Van Zyl: "My client will say there was 10,000 (rand) in the handbag."
11:36 am Considered getting second gun Qwabe is being reminded about a previous statement where he admitted he lied to Tongo about being en route to the car jacking scene.
"We went, we were late," he told the court.
The witness also said he was considering getting a second gone but didn't.
11:38 am Qwabe accused of lying Defence lawyer Van Zyl is trying to catch Qwabe out in contradictions about his movements in the previous plea statement.
He says: "This means only one thing... you lied."
Qwabe: "We did go to Gugulethu but I may have made a mistake here."
11:41 am Shekhar BhatiaCall to taxi driver Qwabe is accused of lying to taxi driver Tongo by defence lawyer Van Zyl.
The witness admits when Tongo called, he was looking for transport to get to the scene.
Van Zyl is shaping his examination of Qwabe to ultimately prove he's a cold ruthless killer and liar whose evidence is unsafe.
11:46 am Who had the gun Van Zyl: "On the way to Gugulethu, who carried the firearm? It was in Watti's possession, your firearm?"
Qwabe: "Yes."
Van Zyl: "You wore these gloves throughout, then you threw them away.
"The police recovered one these gloves, the left handed one."
11:50 am Dewani chews pencil Van Zyl: "When you made the statement, were you sure?"
Qwabe: "Maybe I made a mistake."
Van Zyl: "There were marks on the deceased's leg. Do you know how these were caused?"
Qwabe: "No."
Meanwhile, as the questioning continues, Dewani appears unimpressed with the witness.
11:54 am Shekhar BhatiaCourt adjourns for lunch Qwabe says he didn't see gunman Mngeni grab Anni's leg.
No explanation so far for how she got those injuries, but earlier this week a pathologist confirmed she had not been sexually assaulted.
We have now adjourned for lunch.
Stay with us for the next hour though, as we bring you details of what we learned on day two of the trial followed by the highlights from this mornings events. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 2 to follow
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 10, 2014, 03:36:02 PM
court live roundup part 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12:00 pm Five things we learned on day 2 of the trial 1. How the alleged deal went down Witness Qwabe, 29, says he was approached by taxi driver Zola Tongo about being involved in "a job".
He told the court he wasn't given any details except: "Someone wants somebody killed".
"He (Tongo) asked me if I knew anyone who could help," said Qwabe.
The price agreed for the hit was just 15,000 Rand - the equivalent of around £830 to be split equally between Qwabe and fellow killer Xolile Mngeni.
Qwabe said he agreed to meet Tongo the next day in a shopping centre here the driver elaborated further.
"He said there was a husband who wanted his wife killed," said Qwabe.
12:06 pm Five things we learned from day 2 of the trial 2. Fake hijacking Qwabe - who is serving 25 years for murder - told the court he was told he had to make the killing "look like a hijacking".
As he spoke, Shrien Dewani made notes and shook his head.
Qwabe told the court: "We agreed on the route we would take. We agreed where the hijacking was going to happen.
"That was more or less what we discussed that day. I was in the vehicle for 20 to 30 minutes.
"A lady would be killed and it had to look like a hijacking. Nothing would happen to the husband and Zola."
12:12 pm Five things we learned from day 2 of the trial 3. Dewani didn't resist when he was forced out of the taxi Describing the moments before Anni was shot, Qwabe said that Shrien Dewani did not resist when forced out of the taxi.
He told the court he and his accomplice Mngeni - whose nickname is 'Wati' - approached the car and stopped it at gunpoint.
Qwabe was driving and Mngeni was pointing his gun at the Dewanis and Zola Tongo telling them: 'Don't try anything."
First they ordered Tongo out of the car, then a short time later "the husband".
Qwabe says Dewani did not show any resistance and said he was going to a house to report the hijacking.
12:17 pm Five things we learned from day 2 of the trial 4. Killer's shock when gun went off Qwabe said he was driving the car at the moment Anni was shot dead.
He told the court: "I was driving I heard a gunshot and I got a shock. I asked Wati about it, he said "I shot the lady."
Flanked by burly security guards in the dock, Qwabe said he did not see Mngeni fire the weapon.
But it was Qwabe's gun and he had given it to Mngeni as he didn't want to use it.
It was a 9mm pistol.
12:25 pm Five things we learned from day 2 of the trial 5. Dewani may have accessed gay websites the day after Anni's death Official court documents show Dewani purchased internet access on his credit card.
On the 15th November his computer accessed Gaydar on three separate occasions.
On the same day, his web history shows he look at a fetish website called Recon.
Anni died on the night of 13th and 14th November.
It is expected Shrien Dewani's lawyers will argue his computer may have synced with the websites automatically.
12:45 pm Gunshot residue A South African news site is reporting that gun residue was found on Qwabe's gloves even though he wasn't the gunman who killed Anni Dewani.
According to iol.co.za Qwabe pointed out the gloves to police after he was arrested, and the gloves tested positive for primer residue (gunshot residue) during a forensic examination.
The State does not dispute the results and neither does the defence, it emerged in court this morning when Dewani's counsel, Francois van Zyl, handed the court a document titled Common Cause Facts.
12:59 pm Summary from this morning part 1 A fixer given immunity by investigators in the murder of British honeymooner Anni Dewani knew all about the plot to kill her, a court heard.
Monde Mbolombo was aware of the plan to kill Bristol millionaire Shrien Dewani's wife in a hijacking staged by the entrepreneur himself, according to the convicted hitman allegedly hired to help.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 29, who appeared at Western Cape High Court in South Africa for the second day of his evidence for the prosecution case again Dewani, said Mbolombo was the "link man" who put him and the Dewanis' taxi driver Zola Tongo in touch to carry out the plan.
1:14 pm Summary from this morning part 2 Defence lawyer Francois van Zyl picked through phone records which showed Qwabe and Mbolombo had spoken frequently on the night of November 13 2010.
He said: "There are calls between you and Mbolombo. Why?"
The witness replied: "As I said, Monde was the link man. If I had a problem getting hold of Zola then then I would have called him."
Mr van Zyl said: "This was the night of the carjacking. Why did he call you and what was discussed?" Qwabe replied: "I don't recall."
Dewani's lawyer said: "I put it to you that Mbolombo was much more than just a link man - he knew much more."
Qwabe replied: "He knew what was happening but he was the link man."
1:35 pm Shekhar BhatiaCase adjourned until Monday The trial resumed after lunch at around 1.10pm but was quickly adjourned due to illness.
Both Qabe and Dewani have complained of stomach cramps, with Qwabe saying he prefers not to continue today.
The case has now been adjourned and won't resume until Monday.
2:19 pm Trial finished for the day Todays coverage of day three of the Shrien Dewani trial has now come to an end.
It was a day of regular interruptions, largely due to continued poor acoustics in the court room, that left little chance to for proceedings to really get going.
The court was adjourned three times before lunch and then finally adjourned until Monday when the defendant and the witness both complained of stomach pains.
That all left little time for the hearing of actual evidence.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, previously convicted of Anni Dewani's murder, continued to be cross examined by the defence.
He had been due to continue evidence tomorrow but the whole trial has been put on hold until next week.
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Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 13, 2014, 10:21:49 AM
Refresh automatically On | Off Day 4 of the trial is due to begin this morning. It was adjourned last week after Dewani and a witness both complained of stomach pains
10:06 am Qwabe 'shot Anni while trying to pull her out car and rape her' Getty Questions: Shrien Dewani's Defense Lawyer Francois Van Zyl
Van Zyl says the shot that killed Anni has all hallmarks of shot that wasn't supposed to go off.
He says Qwabe was outside the car and pulling on Anni's leg when he shot her.
After the "dirty deed" he continues, Qwabe and Mngeni drove off to a neighbourhood.
Van Zyl questions where they were going.
He says driving into residential area after shooting doesn't tally with a plan.
In summary, Van Zyl puts it to the court that Qwabe killed Anni as he was trying to get her out of car to rape her.
10:00 am Qwabe 'pulled the trigger NOT convicted gunman Mngeni'
Millionaire Shrien Dewani, 30, with his wife of two weeks Anni, 28
Van Zyl has asked Qwabe to look at part of the glove he used on the night of the killing.
As we've heard, gunshot was found on the glove.
Qwabe is asked to look at the glove and confirms it is the one he used.
Van Zyl now makes a significant new claim.
He says it was Qwabe , NOT Mngeni who pulled the trigger and fatally shot Anni.
Van Zyl: "You threatened her, pulling her leg and shot her".
Qwabe: "I disagree"
Qwabe is denying he shot Anni and that Mgeni was gunman.
He says despite being on a mission to kill her, he was shocked when gun went off.
9:52 am Mngeni 'couldnt have shot Anni from front seat'
Getty Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe appear in the Cape Town High Court
Van Zyl says his team have seen gunman Mngeni.
He has a right arm injury and his arms have been measured.
Van Zyle says he couldn't have shot Anni from front seat.
Van Zyl then moves on to talk about Qwabe's gloves.
He asks Qwabe why they had gunshot residue on them.
Qwabe says there may have been explosive residue on them from when the gun went off in the car or when he retrieved the bullet casing.
9:35 am 'Man climbed in car and shouted 'phone, money'
Barcroft Tragic: Anni's body is removed from the car
Van Zyl said Dewani will tell the court that a man climbed into the car next to him and shouted "phone, money".
He will say gunman Xolile Mngeni put gun against him and he heard a clicking noise. Accused hid money and phone in his pocket.
Van zyl said Dewani begged robbers "to let them go together". Qwabe said: "It's possible, I don't recall."
Qwabe says Dewani didn't get out of window. He opened the door by putting his hand through and reaching the door handle and got out.
9:23 am Shekhar Bhatia'Second firearm'
Gunman: Qwabe (left), Dewani (top right) and Anni
Van zyl says evidence will show child locks were engaged.
He has twice said "accused will tell the court" giving strong indication that Dewani will take witness box later.
The lawyer has mentioned a 'second firearm.'
Qwabe denied there was another gun in the vehicle.
9:11 am Shekhar BhatiaDewani's lawyer questions hitman
Getty Questions: Shrien Dewani's Defense Lawyer Francois Van Zyl
Day four of Shrien Dewani trial underway.
Witness Mziwamadoda Qwabe is being questioned by defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl.
Van Zyl suggests gunman Mngeni was at back of car with gun. Not in front as Qwabe as stated.
Stay with us for live updates as the trial progresses.
9:02 am Shekhar BhatiaOur man Shekhar Bhatia is at court for the continuation of the Dewani trial.
The trial was adjourned last week after the defendant complained of stomach pains.
'Murderer Qwabe marched to witness box by two burly prison guards. Defence and prosecution in place.. judge and accused awaited.'
8:35 am Dewani 'didn't resist when he was forced out of the taxi'
Noble/Draper Killing: Taxi Anni Dewani was shot dead inside
Describing the moments before Anni was shot, Qwabe told the court last week that Shrien Dewani did not resist when forced out of the taxi.
He told the court he and his accomplice Mngeni - whose nickname is 'Wati' - approached the car and stopped it at gunpoint.
Qwabe was driving and Mngeni was pointing his gun at the Dewanis and Zola Tongo telling them: 'Don't try anything."
First they ordered Tongo out of the car, then a short time later "the husband".
Qwabe says Dewani did not show any resistance and said he was going to a house to report the hijacking.
8:13 am How the alleged deal went down
Getty Trial: Dewani
In court last week, witness Qwabe, 29, said he was approached by taxi driver Zola Tongo about being involved in "a job".
He told the court he wasn't given any details except: "Someone wants somebody killed".
"He (Tongo) asked me if I knew anyone who could help," said Qwabe.
The price agreed for the hit was just 15,000 Rand - the equivalent of around £830 to be split equally between Qwabe and fellow killer Xolile Mngeni.
Qwabe said he agreed to meet Tongo the next day in a shopping centre here the driver elaborated further.
"He said there was a husband who wanted his wife killed," said Qwabe.
The trial was adjourned last week after Dewani and a witness complained of stomach pains.
7:30 am Hitman questioned
BBC/Panorama/PA Convicted: Mziwamadoda Qwabe
Last week in court lawyers for Dewani questioned a hitman allegedly hired to carry out the crime.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 29, has already been jailed for his part in the execution of Anni Dewani as she and bisexual husband Shrien toured a South African township in November 2010.
Prosecutors claim 34-year-old entrepreneur Dewani wanted out of his marriage to Swedish-raised Anni and arranged a carjacking in which he survived and his wife did not.
Previously, Qwabe told Western Cape High Court how he was contacted by the Dewani's taxi driver Zola Tongo and said: "There was a husband who wanted his wife killed."
7:20 am Dewani and the dating website
Last week an internet dating profile for Shrien Dewani described him as being 'submissive, filthy minded and perverted', it has been revealed.
The millionaire businessman used the moniker "Asiansubguy" in his online profile on the homosexual hook up website Gaydar, it has ermerged.
On his Gaydar profile, he describes his sexual preference as 'passive' and that he practiced safe sex 'always'.
He states he wants to sleep with single gay men, bisexual men, bi or gay couples and groups of gay men. His age preference is 18 to 99-years-old.
"He describes himself as 'submissive c*******er,filthy minded and perverted' and says he is looking for similar partners.
Dewani,who has confessed to sleeping with men and male prostitutes, is on trial in South Africa for the murder of his wife Anni, 28, while on honeymoon on Cape Town.
The businessman denies the charges, but has admitted he is bisexual and engaged in sexual encounters with German prostitute Lepold Liesser which involved racial abuse.
6:56 am Trial to restart this morning
Case: Dewani (left) and Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru (right)
Day four of the trial of British millionaire Shrien Dewani trial is due to begin this morning.
The trial was adjourned last week after the defendant and the witness both complained of stomach pains.
That all left little time for the hearing of actual evidence.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, previously convicted of Anni Dewani's murder, continued to be cross examined by the defence.
He had been due to continue evidence tomorrow but the whole trial has been put on hold until next week.
Dewani, 34, is accused of masterminding a plot to have his wife Anni killed just days after they were married.
He faces five charges including two of murdering and kidnapping his wife. On Monday he pleaded not guilty to the charges which relate to the shooting in a Cape Town suburb in November 2010.
Prosecutors claim Dewani wanted out of his marriage to Swedish-raised Anni and arranged a carjacking in which he survived and his wife did not.
Qwabe claims he was hired to kill Anni for around £830.
Qwabe, 29, has already been jailed for his part in the execution and is due to give evidence again today.
Dewani denies the charges. The trial continues.
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Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 13, 2014, 02:29:22 PM
13 OCT 2014 PART 2
_______________________________________________
Shrien Dewani trial: Live updates as court told murder was rape and robbery plot gone wrong Oct 13, 2014 14:11 By Sam Adams British millionaire stands charged with arranging a hit on wife Anni, 28, in Cape Town two weeks after their lavish £200,000 wedding 272 Shares Share Tweet +1 Email
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Refresh automatically On | Off Day 4 of the trial is due to begin this morning. It was adjourned last week after Dewani and a witness both complained of stomach pains
2:11 pm Dewani 'hadn't changed Gaydar profile since 2004' Van Zyl is saying that "the accused" will tell the court he has not changed his Gaydar profile since 2004.
The implication being, that Dewani has since come to regard himself as bis-sexual, but his profile has not been updated to reflect that.
Johnson now asked about Dewani logging onto Gayday on November 16 2010 - two days after Anni was murdered.
He confirms "asiansubguy" was logged on at the Cape Grace Hotel.
But Van Zyl says, just because he's signed in doesn't mean he's looking for date. He could be checking messages.
Johnson agrees.
Van Zyl says he is finished with the witness.
Prosecutor Mopp tells the judge his deputy is ill and he hasn't been able to prepare the next witness so asks for an adjournment till tomorrow.
The judge agrees, so we'll be back at 10am tomorrow.
1:55 pm Dewani's sister 'closed Gaydar account following Anni's murder'
Barcroft Media Parents and family of murder accused Shrien Dewani arrive at the Western Cape High Court Simon Johnson has been taken through through message records and log on dates for the times Dewani was on Gaydar between May 2009 and Oct 2010.
There are fetish and specific sexual activity chat rooms for some members, he says.
Privacy is important, so there is a limit to Gaydar info on what groups members belong to.
Prosecutor Mopp has completed his questioning and hands Johnson to the defence.
Van Zyl refers to Wikipedia information on Gaydar and says he has only a few questions.
Johnson denies Gaydar is different from Facebook.
He says Facebook is a social network,Gaydar is dating website. Both can send messages.
Van Zyl says the ''Asiansubguy'' Gaydar account was closed down after Anni's murder because of media interest in Dewani.
He indicates Dewani's sister may have shut it down.
1:26 pm Dewani Gaydar profile lists him as "gay"
Getty Trial: Dewani
Asiansubguy described himself as single gay man, says Johnson.
Dewani hands a note to his lawyers.
On his Gaydar profile, Dewani listed himself "as gay" says Johnson.
He is listed as a " passive,sub guy" on Gaydar looking for "single gay man, gay couple,bi-couple,group".
It cost £60 in March 2010 to give Dewani Gaydar membership for a year.
1:22 pm Dewani Gaydar account closed down Simon Johnson says Gaydar has profiles, chatrooms and pictures.
He is now asked specifically about the account "asaiansubguy" used by Shrien Dewani.
Asiansubguy? Asks judge. It's spelled out for her by Mopp prosecutor.
Dewani's last log in was 21 Nov 2010. Dewani removed the Asiansubguy account that day.
Simon Johnson left notes on the account regarding police contacting him. But Asiansubguy closed down profile on that date.
1:19 pm Gaydar employee called as witness We're back underway and hearing from Simon Johnson.
He was formerly employed as digital product manager at the website Gaydar.
He is explaining how Gaydar works.
He describes it as a "dating and personals website".
12:41 pm Will Dewani give evidence himself today?
Reuters Prakash and Snila Dewani, parents of honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani
We're expecting court to resume shortly.
This morning the judge heard sensational new claims by Shrien Dewani's lawyer that convicted killer Qwabe shot Anni by accident as he was trying to rape her.
He said the shooting had "all the hallmarks" of a robbery/rape attempt gone wrong.
Van Zyl also repeatedly made remarks that "the accused will say", indicating that Shrien may well give evidence himself today.
11:28 am Killer: 'Primary objective was to kill the wife' Prosecutor Adrian Mopp is now back up to question Qwabe.
He asks him to identify phone numbers from large file. Mopp asking about the primary objective of the job he was given.
Qwabe says it was "to kill the wife".
Was it achieved?
Qwabe: "Yes"
The court now adjourns for lunch.
11:24 am Dewani in tears Van Zyl is referring back to the shooting itself and events inside vehicle.
He says there is evidence that both child locks were engaged on rear doors.
Dewani is now crying as Van Zyl states his client never wanted to kill his wife.
His accusers are not telling the truth,he will state.
Dewani collects himself, uses a tissue to wipe his face and takes water.
Van Zyl has finished his cross examination of Qwabe.
11:15 am Qwabe giving evidence 'to try and reduce 25 year sentence' Van Zyl is now asking Qwabe about why court started late last Wednesday.
He asks if Qwabe wanted a sentence reduction. Qwabe admits that's true.
Qwabe admits asking prosecution to ask if they could look at parole after he had served half his sentence instead of two thirds.
Van Zyl says Qwabe wrote a letter asking for his 25 year sentence to be cut.
Qwabe confirms and says giving evidence causing stress for him and his family.
10:53 am Shrien Dewani 'frustrated' at being unable to hear witness We're back underway and it appears we may have adjourned because Shrien Dewani has complained about not being able to hear witness.
Qwabe has been asked to speak up. His brother Priyan seat next to dock.
Dewani is straining to hear witness again and slumps back frustrated.
The judge does not intervene this time.
There were numerous problems with acoustics in court last week, everyone in the public gallery, including the family of Anni, was struggling to hear.
Van Zyl is quizzing Qwabe about phone calls.
10:34 am Adjournment
Getty Shrien Dewani, British murder accused, sits in the Cape Town High Court
The court has adjourned for a short time following that dramatic line of questioning from Van Zyl.
To recap, Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer put a sensational new version of event to convicted killer Qwabe.
He says it was him who pulled the trigger and NOT his accomplice Mngeni who has been convicted as the gunman.
Van Zyl says there was never a murder plot and Qwabe had been attempting to pull Anni out of the car to rape her when the gun accidentally went off.
He accused Qwabe of not telling the truth about the killing.
10:15 am Scene of crime indicates it was a plan gone wrong Van Zyl is now going through where Qwabe lives in proximity to where they left Anni's body. He says it's walking distance.
Van Zyl is attempting to show the killers left Anni near their home after their plan went wrong and she shot was by accident and they ran away.
He asks if five people were involved.
We know of fixer Monde,Tongo,Qwabe,and Mngeni.
Monde allegedly said five people were involved.
Van Zyl is now putting it to the court that Dewani was let go because the plan was to demand a ransom.
If a demand was later made for his wife, he would have to pay, he says. He was the man with the money.
10:06 am Qwabe 'shot Anni while trying to pull her out car and rape her'
Getty Questions: Shrien Dewani's Defense Lawyer Francois Van Zyl
Van Zyl says the shot that killed Anni has all hallmarks of shot that wasn't supposed to go off.
He says Qwabe was outside the car and pulling on Anni's leg when he shot her.
After the "dirty deed" he continues, Qwabe and Mngeni drove off to a neighbourhood.
Van Zyl questions where they were going.
He says driving into residential area after shooting doesn't tally with a plan.
In summary, Van Zyl puts it to the court that Qwabe killed Anni as he was trying to get her out of car to rape her.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on October 13, 2014, 08:40:36 PM
For those speculating something happened while the couple was in South Africa that led to a spontaneous decision by Dewani to decide to kill his wife, that won't have been the case.
The circumstances show the very purpose of the South Africa trip in the first place was to have her murdered. As soon as he landed in SA, and before he had even left the airport, he began to put out feelers to solicit someone to "have a job done".
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 13, 2014, 09:57:27 PM
Sorry Holly, I have had visitors for most the day.I think that marraige is expected of their children and he would probably have gone along with it for longer. We don't know yet that he is guilty of murder, but he has put on a gay site that he is highly sexed(to say the least) Maybe he couldnt wait? Not sure what the reasons were. there is a timeline link at bottom and if I can find it a panarama programme that can bring you up to date. I worked for 2 gay chaps a long time ago and it was good not to have them try to get too close etc as did some straight men back then.
For those speculating something happened while the couple was in South Africa that led to a spontaneous decision by Dewani to decide to kill his wife, that won't have been the case.
The circumstances show the very purpose of the South Africa trip in the first place was to have her murdered. As soon as he landed in SA, and before he had even left the airport, he began to put out feelers to solicit someone to "have a job done".
Hi lane99
It makes no logical sense to me why SD would marry Anni to have her murdered on honeymoon? As far as I can see he was not committed in anyway eg financially, children etc so why agree to the marriage in the first place and/or why not just call it off? If he was under family/community pressure to 'settle down' then surely at some point in time the 'grieving widower' would come under renewed pressure to 'settle down' again?
I don't know much about the case so I might be way off the mark. Do you have anything to support your assertions above? Thanks.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on October 14, 2014, 05:42:27 AM
Actually I was combining a few different points in a short space, and from re-reading my post, I see it's confusedly written. First, Dewani did not solicit the murder as soon as he arrived in South Africa. The couple went on a safari for a few days when they first arrived (where, like the habitual conman he seems to be, Dewani had contrived a scheme to defraud the exclusive lodge they stayed at while on safari).
He did solicit the murder, though, from the moment he arrived in Cape Town.
The trip to South Africa was arranged entirely by Dewani, who didn't tell his wife about it until a few days before they left. His wife was not particularly happy to go.
Really, "logical sense" doesn't necessarily play into it either way. It's whatever is the best inference we can draw from the circumstances and evidence.
And we have heard, from someone that Dewani was intimate with, that he didn't want to get married, but would get disowned if he simply called the wedding off. So that I think would go to your question as to why he simply didn't walk away.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: colombosstogey on October 14, 2014, 06:05:43 AM
Actually I was combining a few different points in a short space, and from re-reading my post, I see it's confusedly written. First, Dewani did not solicit the murder as soon as he arrived in South Africa. The couple went on a safari for a few days when they first arrived (where, like the habitual conman he seems to be, Dewani had contrived a scheme to defraud the exclusive lodge they stayed at while on safari).
He did solicit the murder, though, from the moment he arrived in Cape Town.
The trip to South Africa was arranged entirely by Dewani, who didn't tell his wife about it until a few days before they left. His wife was not particularly happy to go.
Really, "logical sense" doesn't necessarily play into it either way. It's whatever is the best inference we can draw from the circumstances and evidence.
And we have heard, from someone that Dewani was intimate with, that he didn't want to get married, but would get disowned if he simply called the wedding off. So that I think would go to your question as to why he simply didn't walk away.
I too find it unsettling that he would go to all this trouble to have her murdered in SA. Although you need a weapon to murder someone I suppose the fact that SA is known for its carjacking and killings could be deemed as a weapon, and the fact that poor people who are desperate are easily found to do the dirty work.
BUT why not get married? He could have had the perfect life, a beautiful wife, chance of children, and still have a few men in the closet, lots of marriages exist this way quite successfully. Lots of people married have affairs with the other partner being non the wiser. I knew one lady who had an affair for as long as she was married about 25 years I think it was until her lover sadly passed away.
So why the killing?
What changed?
I wonder if Annie found out and they had an arguement about it and she told him when they got back home she would have the marriage annulled. That would make sense. She may have been so ashamed she didnt tell anyone at the time.
I know this can happen as it happened personally to someone i know. She was married, and it was never consummated and she told no one for 3 years.....THREE YEARS, until finally she confided in a member of family about it. Her question was, was it right that her partner wouldnt touch her sexually? Yes she was naive but so are a lot of women even now.
So going back to this case, perhaps she felt ashamed or a failure some how and was keeping it to herself until she came back off honeymoon.
Its the only thing that that fits for me.
As to his being guilty or innocent.....my thumb is down. Like i have said before i lived in Africa they do not shoot one person they never leave witnesses...why would they?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 14, 2014, 01:02:20 PM
14th oct 2014 court
Shrien Dewani trial: Recap updates as British millionaire claims Anni was shot 'by accident' Oct 14, 2014 12:25 By Anthony Bond, Steve Robson The 34-year-old denies being part of a plot to murder his new bride during their honeymoon in 2010
7:27 am British millionaire Shrien Dewani is back in court to deny being part of a plot to murder his new wife during their honeymoon in 2010.
Anni Dewani was found shot dead in a taxi a suburb of South Africa's capital Cape Town.
Shrien survived the incident and is accused of orchestrating a plan to have her killed and make it look like a robbery.
Yesterday his lawyers claimed his bride's kidnapper's freed him because they "knew he had money".
They also claimed Anni's shooting was an accident.
It was the first time Dewani has offered a reason he survived the carjacking.
7:33 am Rape struggle ended in Anni's shooting Dewani's legal team said the Bristol care home owner was only released because the attackers realised he was wealthy and would be able to demand a ransom for their hostage.
Her attackers were to extort the ransom in exchange for their captive after Dewani had gone to the police.
PA
But Mr Francois Van Zyl, acting for Dewani, said prosecution witness Mziwamadoda Qwabe had gone to the rear of the vehicle and attempted to pull Anni out of the car and she was accidentally shot in the struggle.
7:34 am Shooting 'not an execution' claim defence Qwabe, 29, who has been convicted of Anni's killing, has told the court that his accomplice shot Mrs Dewani after they agreed to carry out the hit for her husband for a payment of £1,300.
But Mr van Zyl accused him of misleading the court.
The lawyer said: "The gunshot is not what one would normally see in an execution type killing.
"It’s not what pathologists normally see when a person has been executed.
"It has all the hallmarks of a shot that went off when it wasn’t supposed to go off."
9:26 am We're now up and running in South Africa.
ANC members were singing on court steps as both Hindocha and Dewani families arrive.
First up in witness box today thought to be Met police officers Mark Roberts, who will tell the court about Dewani's Dell laptop.
Roberts is top computer expert with MSC degree.
9:28 am Roberts says on 3 June 2010 Anni Dewani profile made on the laptop. Previous profile belonged to accused Shrien.
His profile created 17 Jan 2010.
The last activity on laptop was 20 April 2010. Jan and April activity was mainly email type. We are being told about email and data.
Dewani had imported old email files onto laptop. Keywords he used were family names, places in SA, gay fetish rubber and watersports.
Roberts found "lot of email activity between Dewani and a third person". Third person not identified.
June and Aug 2009, 53 messages from a third person.
9:30 am Dewani was 'conflicted about whether to get married or come out'
Getty Shrien Dewani appears at Western Cape High Court for the start of his trial
The emails are relevant says prosecutor Mopp.
The defence objects.
Mopp says Dewani's sexuality is revelent and trying to plead with doubtful judge.
The judge questions Mopp about why the emails necessary.
Mopp says Dewani "was conflicted about whether to get married or come out".
9:32 am The judge asks whether Dewani's indecision over marriage was "a motive to kill. " She is hardening her attitude against email evidence.
The defence lawyer Van Zyl is explaining there are only three references which amount to 'cold feet' (about marriage) and it's not relevant to Anni's murder.
Dewani, in the dock behind, is nodding.
9:36 am Is Dewani's sexuality relevant to the case? The prosecution says in Sept 2009, Dewani expressed similar conflict (about marriage and his sexuality) to a witness who will be called.
Judge Traverso told the accused's sexuality is "not something we can run away from'.
But the judge replies: "Whether he's bisexual,gay doesn't matter."
The prosecution insist it is, and in fact, it's central to their case.
The judge is retiring to consider this.
9:45 am Major blow for prosecution The judge has just ruled that evidence about the emails concerning Dewani's sexuality inadmissable.
She's essentially said she doesn't see it as relevant to the case.
It's a major blow for the prosecution and they are so taken aback they don't even have another witness prepared.
Met officer Mark Roberts, who was presumably flown over from the UK, has to leave the stand.
The prosecution will have to have a total re-think now.
10:16 am Court resumes The court is now back in session.
The prosecution team were dealt a huge blow before the break and it will be fascinating to see how they respond.
10:27 am Police officer takes to the stand Police officer George Stefanus has now taken to the stand.
He was called about the hijacking of a taxi on the night of Anni's murder.
The detective spoke to taxi driver Zola Tongo – who has already been jailed for the murder.
He told the police officer of a hijacking involving his passengers.
10:35 am Dewani was 'emotional' as search went on for missing wife Mr Stefanus tells the court how he met Dewani at the Cape Grace hotel as search went on for missing Anni.
He describes his state of mind as "emotional".
10:46 am Anni 'insisted' on seeing life in the townships Dewani told Mr Stefanus that his wife "insisted" she wanted to see life in the townships to the taxi driver.
In the police statement, Dewani also gave police officers details of items stolen.
He said Anni put her wedding ring under the car seat. Her bag, phone and cash were all taken.
10:52 am Dewani didn't want to read over police statement After Mr Stefanus has finished taking Dewani's statement, he asked the millionaire if he would like to read through it.
However, he declined the offer, saying "we've gone through this".
11:01 am Police officer lost his notes from interviewing Dewani The court has heard how Mr Stefanus lost his pocket-book containing his notes from interviewing Dewani.
When Dewani's defence team asked for it, they were told it was missing.
The officer handed it in but it could not be found at the police station.
11:10 am Dewani's police statement was not taken under oath The police statement Dewani gave on the night his wife died was not sworn under oath, it has emerged.
Mr Stefanus says Dewani didn't put his hand up and say "so help me god."
11:18 am Dewani told police: "I hope they didn't kill Anni" Dewani was crying and told police: "I hope they didnt kill Anni – I hope Anni's OK" on the night she was reported to have been kidnapped.
It also emerged it was two-and-a-half hours before police took a statement from Dewani over his wife's disappearance.
11:27 am Police took so long to take Dewani's statement because he was stressed Mr Stefanus says police took so long to take down Dewani's statement because of his stress.
The police officer was also asked in court why a helicopter was not used in the search for Anni.
He told the court it was "dark at that stage".
11:36 am Police officer under pressure Mr Stefanus is coming under increasing pressure in the dock from Dewani's defence team.
The word 'township' was apparently said by Dewani during his statement to police on the night Anni went missing.
However, the millionaire's lawyer Francois van Zyl says the word was not in his client's vocabulary at the time.
11:46 am Defence team claim police statement is inaccurate Dewani's defence team are attempting to completely discredit the statement police took from Dewani on the night his wife disappeared.
Dewani claims the chronology of the statement is incorrect. The police officer claims Dewani told him he had 4000 rand on him.
However, Dewani claims he gave the figure of money in sterling.
11:54 am Owner of jewellers takes to the stand Mr Stefanus has now finished giving evidence and a new witness has taken to the stand.
Her name is Maria and she is the owner of a jewellers called Golden Touch.
She buys and sells coins and antiques.
12:07 pm Maria begins to tell the court about a money exchange she did with Dewani.
Mr Van Zyl says Dewani never had dollars with him. He exchanged pounds at various locations. Dewani nodded agreement.
12:13 pm Court adjourned until Monday because of chickenpoxBizarrely, the court has now adjourned until Monday because a member of the prosecution team has chickenpox.
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp asked the judge for the break, which she granted.
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Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on October 14, 2014, 01:23:04 PM
Thank you for posting the updates Anna, they make for interesting reading. I wonder why the learned judge refused to admit those e-mails? Surely Dewani's sexuality is alleged to be the motive behind this murder?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 14, 2014, 01:38:28 PM
Thank you for posting the updates Anna, they make for interesting reading. I wonder why the learned judge refused to admit those e-mails? Surely Dewani's sexuality is alleged to be the motive behind this murder?
It is So like Pistorius trial, in avoidance of the important issues and now we have an accidental shooting as well. They will be paying criminals next for their acts of crime..............They are given far too long, before coming to trial, in my opinion. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ I think the posting from the trial, is more realistic, but having problems with photos on this old laptop.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on October 14, 2014, 03:51:13 PM
...I know this can happen as it happened personally to someone i know. She was married, and it was never consummated and she told no one for 3 years.....Yes she was naive but so are a lot of women even now.
So going back to this case, perhaps she felt ashamed or a failure some how and was keeping it to herself until she came back off honeymoon....
The lack of physical intimacy was a problem for Anni the whole time she knew Dewani. Anni was confused about him not wanting anything to do with her physically.
But Anni had close confidantes that she discussed the subject with throughout her relationship with Dewani.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 14, 2014, 10:29:00 PM
The lack of physical intimacy was a problem for Anni the whole time she knew Dewani. Anni was confused about him not wanting anything to do with her physically.
But Anni had close confidantes that she discussed the subject with throughout her relationship with Dewani.
Why did Anni agree to marry Shrien then? If I was in a serious relationship with a guy who spurned me sexually I think the alarm bells would start ringing. If I was confused I wouldn't agree to any sort of commitment eg marriage. She discussed these concerns with her cousin.
Anni was brought up in a liberal country ie Sweden. She studied engineering at university. Then worked for the telecoms company Ericsson. She sounds worldly.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Myster on October 14, 2014, 10:37:16 PM
In the words of Mrs. Merton - "Just what attracted you to millionaire Shrien Dewani?" ... Follow the Money!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on October 15, 2014, 02:36:01 AM
Firstly, she nearly didn't marry him. She had to be inveigled back into the relationship several times. Even on the day of the wedding they weren't getting along. But they called a truce and agreed to play nice for the sake of the event and all the family and guests in attendance.
So what it boils down to is she married Dewani against her better judgement and despite her reservations. It's a terrible shame, too. Because if she had just listened to her instincts she almost certainly would still be alive today. With pretty much her whole life still ahead of her.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 15, 2014, 08:20:40 AM
Firstly, she nearly didn't marry him. She had to be inveigled back into the relationship several times. Even on the day of the wedding they weren't getting along. But they called a truce and agreed to play nice for the sake of the event and all the family and guests in attendance.
So what it boils down to is she married Dewani against her better judgement and despite her reservations. It's a terrible shame, too. Because if she had just listened to her instincts she almost certainly would still be alive today. With pretty much her whole life still ahead of her.
AD was a young, attractive and well educated woman why settle for second best?
I recall going on holiday in the early 90's to the Turkish beach resort of Oludeniz. Pagagliding was the thing to do there and after much persuasion by my partner I somewhat reluctantly agreed to give it a go. It was done tandem with a professional pilot. On the drive up the mountain we learned that days earlier a woman on honeymoon had fallen out of her paragliding harness and died. All sorts of rumours were circulating as to whether or not it was an accident, suicide or foul play and the state of her relationship with her husband. Sadly tragedies do happen on honeymoons:
It makes no sense to me at all why SD would arrange for AD to be murdered on honeymoon regardless of his sexuality and/or whether or not they were getting on.
I wonder if SD is being unfairly discriminated against on the basis that he's attractive looking, well educated, wealthy and had an attractive wife?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Tim Invictus on October 15, 2014, 09:26:41 AM
What is wrong with the justice system in South Africa? First the Pistorius trial has been a legal whitewash of a blatant murder (imho) and now the judge in the Shrien Dewani trial says his bisexuality/homosexuality is irrelevant to the case!
How on earth can it be deemed irrelevant when it was for this reason SD felt trapped in a marriage he didn't want and came from a culture where his true sexuality is not acceptable!
Ludicrous!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: colombosstogey on October 15, 2014, 02:58:36 PM
AD was a young, attractive and well educated woman why settle for second best?
I recall going on holiday in the early 90's to the Turkish beach resort of Oludeniz. Pagagliding was the thing to do there and after much persuasion by my partner I somewhat reluctantly agreed to give it a go. It was done tandem with a professional pilot. On the drive up the mountain we learned that days earlier a woman on honeymoon had fallen out of her paragliding harness and died. All sorts of rumours were circulating as to whether or not it was an accident, suicide or foul play and the state of her relationship with her husband. Sadly tragedies do happen on honeymoons:
It makes no sense to me at all why SD would arrange for AD to be murdered on honeymoon regardless of his sexuality and/or whether or not they were getting on.
I wonder if SD is being unfairly discriminated against on the basis that he's attractive looking, well educated, wealthy and had an attractive wife?
I actually dont necessarily disagree with you why would he?
BUT it stinks. I know boring i have said it a few times, i lived in Africa, if you were car jacked they would not leave a witness. The chances are they would have raped the women and even the man and killed and dumped their bodies. IF they are car jackers its rare to find the car left with a body in it.....they are taken away and changed and sold......makes no sense.
It just doesnt sit well with me. We dont know what happened between the two of them on their own. Perhaps she found out and told him she was going to annul when she got home......
No i dont believe they would have left this guy alive to recognise them......it doesnt work that way. IF they kill one they kill them both.
Carjacking is a significant problem in South Africa, where it is called hijacking; there are some roadsigns warning people that certain areas are hotspots. There were 16,000 carjackings in 1998[3] (18 times the American rate per capita), and 60 murders a year resulting from these.]
Like i said if they kill one they kill both. Makes no sense to leave someone....
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 15, 2014, 03:18:42 PM
Trial is adjourned, due to chickenpox??? So some news...................... ------------------------------------------
The IndependentWednesday 15 October 2014 Honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani described himself on a dating website as a single gay man.
accused of masterminding the murder of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, chose to select the option "single gay man” to describe himself on Gaydar website.
This was despite there also being other options, including "single bi(sexual) man".
The former digital product manager of the Gaydar site Simon Johnson told the court that Dewani, from Westbury on Trym in Bristol, used the profile ASIANSUBGUY, and chose "gay" as his sexual orientation.
Dewani had also selected "no" for the section asking whether the individual had disclosed their sexuality publicly.
Shrien Dewani broke down in tears as graphic footage and images of his wife's dead body were shown in a South African court He appeared before Western Cape High Court yesterday for the first day of the two-month trial. He denies any involvement in the murder.
In his plea explanation handed up to the court a week ago, Dewani said he was bisexual and had had sexual interactions with both men and women.
"My sexual interactions with males were mostly physical experiences or e-mail chats with people I met online or in clubs, including prostitutes such as Leipold Leisser," he stated in the plea document."My sexual interactions with females were usually during the course of a relationship which consisted of other activities and emotional attachment."
Shrien Dewani met Anni on May 30 2009 after a mutual friend gave him her contact details.
In his plea explanation, he said he was instantly physically attracted to her on their first date and sensed there was mutual chemistry.
He has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him, maintaining that the couple were the victims of a hijacking in Gugulethu, Cape Town, on 13 November 2010.
Mr Johnson, 33, said Dewani's profile indicated he was looking for a single gay man, a single bi man, a gay couple or a group.
Nilam Hindocha, the mother of murdered Anni Dewani, arrives at court in Cape Town with family members On 14 March 2010, there was a single transaction of £60 to upgrade the profile from a guest to member for a year.
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp said there were 59 saved private messages on the profile in total, of which 16 were sent or received between May 2009 and October 2010.
He also went through a table of log-ins and log-offs for the profile in question, confirming Dewani had visited the site three times in 2010 on 14 November, 15 November and 16 November.
Read more: • Dewani moved to psychiatric hospital following extradition • One of gunmen 'released from prison on compassionate grounds' • South African men found guilty of Dewani murder In his formal admissions, Dewani admitted his computer was logged onto Gaydar in the early hours of the morning on 15 November 2010.
His wife's body was found in their hijacked shuttle taxi early on 14 November 2010.
He also conceded his computer was logged onto the site on 15 November and 16 November, and while waiting with Anni for their flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town on 12 November 2010.
Mr Johnson explained that the site allowed people to add users as friends or favourites to share messages and photos with.
Mopp said there were a number of photos uploaded onto Dewani's profile.
Mr Johnson said that there were also a variety of chatrooms that "were particularly sexually charged" but that these visits were not recorded by the website.
The father of the late Anni Dewani, Vinod Hindocha, at a news conference on the eve of the murder trial's start Mr Johnson was first approached by United Kingdom detectives in January 2011 to assist them with Dewani's profile and he intermittently provided them with information.
Dewani joined the Gaydar website in August 2004 and the last activity on his profile was on 21 November 2010.
"On that day, the profile was removed by the customer," Johnson said.
He said although the profile was removed from the site, it was still accessible to staff using a special application.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on October 16, 2014, 02:17:55 PM
As stated above, the Dewani murder trial postponed due to chickenpox...
Dewani trial postponed due to chickenpox
news24 15 October 2014
Cape Town - The murder trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani has been postponed until next week because one of the prosecutors has chickenpox.
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp has been calling his witnesses to the stand in the Western Cape High Court for the last two days without the assistance of his colleague Shareen Riley.
He had a rough time on Tuesday when his one witness's testimony was ruled irrelevant and another was made to look inept by the defence.
Mopp subsequently spoke to deputy Judge President Jeannette Traverso in chambers on Tuesday afternoon and she postponed the trial until Monday 20 October.
I actually dont necessarily disagree with you why would he?
BUT it stinks. I know boring i have said it a few times, i lived in Africa, if you were car jacked they would not leave a witness. The chances are they would have raped the women and even the man and killed and dumped their bodies. IF they are car jackers its rare to find the car left with a body in it.....they are taken away and changed and sold......makes no sense.
It just doesnt sit well with me. We dont know what happened between the two of them on their own. Perhaps she found out and told him she was going to annul when she got home......
No i dont believe they would have left this guy alive to recognise them......it doesnt work that way. IF they kill one they kill them both.
Carjacking is a significant problem in South Africa, where it is called hijacking; there are some roadsigns warning people that certain areas are hotspots. There were 16,000 carjackings in 1998[3] (18 times the American rate per capita), and 60 murders a year resulting from these.]
Like i said if they kill one they kill both. Makes no sense to leave someone....
I've never been to SA and don't know much about the country other than it's a fairly violent place!?
If it was a robbery perhaps it all went wrong!? That's what the forensics/ballistics seem to indicate!?
What was there to find out? That he was viewing gay porn and exchanging emails with gay(s)? She studied engineering at uni (probably more capable than him in circumventing passwords etc) so if she had a mind to snoop thru' his electronic devices I am sure she would have done so prior to agreeing to marry him?! Given that he spurned her sexually and she discussed this with her cousin she must have been somewhat aware that something may have been amiss?!
People marry for all sorts of reasons and not just 'romantic love'!? As I said she was young, attractive and well-educated so there was no need for her to sign up to something that didn't suit!? I am reminded of the judge's words in the OP trial:
Judge Masipa rejected a mass of instant messaging evidence presented by both prosecution and defence to suggest, respectively, that the couple's relationship was on the rocks or loving and strong.
"Normal relationships are dynamic and unpredictable most of the time, while human beings are fickle," she said.
Seems on the surface they were similar:
- Both Hindus - Both attractive - He studied accountancy; she studied engineering - They were part of a group of friends
All seems pretty 'normal'.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Tim Invictus on October 17, 2014, 12:32:23 AM
The evidence against Dewani is overwhelming imo. And the fact he tried desperately to avoid court and didn't return to SA for the trials of the men who murdered his wife speaks volumes. 'Asiansubguy' is as guilty as sin!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on October 17, 2014, 10:41:24 PM
Yes, there's plenty of reason to believe Asiansubgay is guilty as sin. And, heaven help us, the level that particular sin reached. To dupe a beautiful woman like Anni into marrying him, and objectify and exploit her as a means to an end to such an extent that you're willing to arrange for her to be obliterated from existence once she's served your purposes; well, on the scale of ruthlessness and depravity, Dewani's scheme might be hard to beat.
Point of order: it's often been argued that Dewani's attempts to avoid a trial is "very telling" of guilt. It's not. And that is a very poor argument. Be they innocent or guilty, only a fool would subject themselves to a trial if one could be avoided. Trials are not particularly good at distinguishing innocent people from guilty people. And when an innocent person finds themselves on trial, they are quite liable- despite their innocence- to be falsely convicted.
That said, the means which Dewani used to avoid the trial (dubious claims of mental illness) I do consider telling. And just another example of what a conniving, manipulative, duplicitous conman he is.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 18, 2014, 08:19:40 PM
Yes, there's plenty of reason to believe Asiansubgay is guilty as sin. And, heaven help us, the level that particular sin reached. To dupe a beautiful woman like Anni into marrying him, and objectify and exploit her as a means to an end to such an extent that you're willing to arrange for her to be obliterated from existence once she's served your purposes; well, on the scale of ruthlessness and depravity, Dewani's scheme might be hard to beat.
Point of order: it's often been argued that Dewani's attempts to avoid a trial is "very telling" of guilt. It's not. And that is a very poor argument. Be they innocent or guilty, only a fool would subject themselves to a trial if one could be avoided. Trials are not particularly good at distinguishing innocent people from guilty people. And when an innocent person finds themselves on trial, they are quite liable- despite their innocence- to be falsely convicted.
That said, the means which Dewani used to avoid the trial (dubious claims of mental illness) I do consider telling. And just another example of what a conniving, manipulative, duplicitous conman he is.
Interesting post!
May I start by asking is there any particular reason why you changed the thread title/subject in your post from " Shrien Dewani trial commences in Cape town" to "I'm an arrogant, filthy c**ks****r. Hard to disagree, I'd say". Hard indeed 8(0(*
I don't know much about the case so have no strong views either way but from what little I do know it seems a bit of a witch hunt!
I assume by "Asiansubgay" you are in fact referring to SD? If so are you able to bullet point your reasons why you believe he's "as guilty as sin"? Also I noticed you made reference to "sin" twice in your post. May I ask what your definition of "sin" is?
The fact SD is bisexual and indulged in gay submissive sex seems to loom large in your mind? SD admitted to this at the start of his trial. He also distinguished between his relationships with gay/bisexual males and straight females. He said his relationships with males were based on sex. And with females they involved other activities (non-sexual I assume) and emotional attachment.
SD's lifestyle might not meet with your approval but it isn't actually a crime in the legal sense.
The fact is most men have very powerful sex drives and often go to extraordinary lengths to get these needs met which invariably involve novelty and variety.
I am reminded of the Milly Dowler case where Milly's father, Bob Dowler, was at one time a suspect. Apparently MD had found "extreme" pornographic material involving bondage at the family home which she discussed with her mother and friend. This caused MD some distress. The loft also contained bondage material eg rubber hood and a ball shaped gag although I don't think MD found this. It also became known that on the day Milly went missing BD had stopped at a motorway service station and had viewed pornography. He then went home and performed a sex act on himself. Despite BD being an initial suspect we all now know that the perpetrator was in fact the notorious Levi Bellfield. So what I am saying lane99 is that I don't believe much can be read into the fact that SD was bisexual and a frequent visitor to gay/bisexual porn sites.
With regard to your "dubious claims of mental illness" how do you square the fact that Xolie Mngeni who was convicted of AD's murder has in the last few hours died of a brain tumour.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-29676084
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on October 19, 2014, 01:47:49 PM
Appears there were many changes going on in the family business with three companies changing their name. After the murder Shrien Dewani's was removed as a director and his share holdings transferred. This could be seen as a mechanism intended to avoid any potential loss in the event of a pecuniary penalty being applied by the courts. For sure there appears from the records to be an offshore involvement using a vehicle in Guernsey to obscure who really owned the parent holdings as a part of some tax avoidance scam. I wonder did Anni find out something she shouldn't have?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 19, 2014, 04:51:26 PM
SD studied accountancy at UMIST and qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte working in the City of London. He was therefore well placed/qualified to take advantage of any tax avoidance schemes which, although some might baulk at from a moral perspective, are in fact perfectly legal unlike tax evasion.
I watched the Panorama prog yesterday (many thanks Anna 8((()*/) and I'm now more inclined to see SD as innocent and the victim of a witch hunt.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: sika on October 19, 2014, 09:36:30 PM
SD studied accountancy at UMIST and qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte working in the City of London. He was therefore well placed/qualified to take advantage of any tax avoidance schemes which, although some might baulk at from a moral perspective, are in fact perfectly legal unlike tax evasion.
I watched the Panorama prog yesterday (many thanks Anna 8((()*/) and I'm now more inclined to see SD as innocent and the victim of a witch hunt.
Hi Holly, I remember watching that programme at the time and thinking they did a great job of offering up a defence for him. I can see him walking free.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 19, 2014, 10:02:58 PM
Hi Holly, I remember watching that programme at the time and thinking they did a great job of offering up a defence for him. I can see him walking free.
Yes the testimony from the UK based forensic and ballistic experts seemed quite compelling. I wouldn't want him walking though if he's guilty but the case seemed quite flimsy. I guess we have to trust the SA judicial system.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 02:15:29 PM
Sorry but I cant get this to copy, unless John can help 8**8:/: New laptop due anytime now.. Cant cope with the tablet thing I bought. 11" not big enough for me.
Really? I didnt read that. I think he would have felt rather trapped in this marraige if he was more inclined towards the male sex.
Anna HELLO. I think he would have needed the marriage much more than her -indeed, from some of his correspondence with her, he seems desperate for her to be his wife- perhaps because he wanted a cloak of normality. They certainly LOOKED like the perfect couple.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 04:24:45 PM
Anna HELLO. I think he would have needed the marriage much more than her -indeed, from some of his correspondence with her, he seems desperate for her to be his wife- perhaps because he wanted a cloak of normality. They certainly LOOKED like the perfect couple.
They did look perfect together, but who knows about behind closed doors. wedding dance he looks happy.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 05:19:11 PM
Part 1 court Monday
The trial of millionaire Shrien Dewani today heard his murdered honeymoon bride Anni was 'thinking of divorce' just days before she was killed.
Her husband is accused of conspiring to kill his wife in Cape Town in November 2010, and after a five day break his trial resumed today.
The court heard testimony from her cousin Sneha Mashru, who claims Anni texted her her thoughts about ending the marriage just days after it began.
Text messages sent between Anni and her cousin after she arrived in South Africa for the honeymoon were read out to the court.
The message from Anni: "What should I do. I am really trying...."
"She was thinking of getting a divorce," Sneha told the court.
"My intention was if she felt that she couldn't be with him, when she comes back, we could think of options to leave," she said.
But medical records shown by the defence revealed Anni was trying to get pregnant before the couple left for their ill-fated honeymoon.
Mrs Mashru insisted the couple had split before their engagement was announced in May 2010 and that her cousin would rather spend time with her than her husband.
The court also heard that the now-disgraced publicist Max Clifford had represented Dewani when the media attention on him intensified.
The trial continues.
8:14 am The trial of Shrien Dewani - the British millionaire accused of plotting the murder of his honeymoon bride - resumes today.
Anni Dewani was shot dead in a carjacking days into the couple's honeymoon in South Africa in 2010.
Three local men were convicted of her murder and jailed for life.
Shrien Dewani, 34, came back to the UK but was later extradited back to South Africa accused of orchestrating the killing.
The care home business owner, from Bristol, denies the charges.
The trial was halted last week after one of the prosecution lawyers fell ill with chicken pox.
We will bring you all the latest live updates from court today as the trial continues.
8:15 am The two week trial has heard that Dewani was trying to escape from his marriage and considered how to call it off and “coming out” as a man who slept with the same sex as well as women.
It was alleged that he surfed gay websites less than 48 hours after she died.
But Dewani strongly denies being involved in any way in Anni’s death and said they were ambushed by two robbers while on honeymoon.
He has told police he was released along with Tongo before Anni was murdered.
Today we expect Anni’s cousin Sneha Mishru to tell the court of Anni’s unhappiness with Shrien and how he allegedly tried to control her.
8:17 am Anni Dewani killer has died in prison
Getty Xolile Mngeni
Over the weekend, the gunman who shot and murdered honeymoon bride Anni Dewani died in prison.
Xolile Mngeni, 26, was serving a life sentence for shooting dead 28-year-old Anni on her honeymoon in South Africa in 2010.
He had been suffering from a brain tumour, and died in the hospital wing of Cape Town prison.
Prosecution and defence lawyers now face revising their cases as Mngeni would have been a witness, if his health had allowed.
Earlier this summer, he had tried to gain an early release from prison as his brain tumour left him close to death.
8:36 am Anni's cousin in court The key figures in today's hearing have begun gathering in court this morning as the Shrien Dewani trial resumes.
Anni's cousin Sneha Mashru is at the trial today, and is being briefed at the witness box before proceedings officially get underway.
Prosecutor Shareen Riley is also now back in court according to reporter Leigh-Anne Jansen
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Anni's cousin and confidante, Sneha Mashru has arrived. She's been briefed at the witness box
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
8:44 am Trial resuming after illness The murder trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani was halted last Tuesday because a prosecution lawyer has chicken pox.
Dewani's case, which is expected to last two months, has only been heard on four and a half days since it began two weeks ago and when it resumes today more than five days will have been missed.
During the last hearing last week, the judge gave a strong indication that Dewani's bisexuality has little relevance to his murder charge, despite detectives saying it drove him to murder his wife Anni.
8:51 am Sexuality 'irrelevant' Last week the judge dismissed the evidence of a British police officer as it was about to be presented regarding email exchanges of a sexual nature between an unnamed man and the defendant who is accused of murdering Anni.
The prosecution has presented its case mainly on Dewani’s sexuality and how it allegedly led him to kill Anni in a staged hijacking of a taxi they were travelling in.
The Bristol-based care home owner revealed his bisexuality on the first day of his trial at Western Cape Court and admitted sleeping with male prostitutes in a calculated move to head off the prosecution case.
But speaking last week Judge Jeanette Traverso told the court:” Whether he is bisexual or gay does not matter. It is irrelevant.”
8:53 am Defence counsel arrives this morning We are still waiting for today's proceedings to get under way, but Shrien Dewani's team is now in court.
The Dewani family are also taking their seats.
TV screens are being set up so we may well get some footage shown to the court today.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews TV screens being set up. Seems some footage will be shown.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:03 am Hearing resumes The hearing has now resumed after a break of five days.
The state calls Sun reporter, Nick Parker.
Parker has been been a journalist for 26 years and will be testifying in the trial this morning.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Journalist, Nick Parker is in court. He, along with Sneha, is expected to testify today.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:06 am Interview with Dewani at Max Clifford too On November 22, Parker interviewed Dewani at the offices of disgraced publicist Max Clifford in the UK.
Dewani was accompanied by his brother and a female relative the court has heard.
The Interview lasted about one hour and 20 minutes, was recorded and transcribed and a copy has been handed to the court.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews On November 22, Parker interviewed Dewani at the offices of Max Clifford in the UK
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:08 am Dewani 'distressed' Parker has told the court Dewani appeared 'obviously upset' during the interview but initially he was 'reasonably calm'.
He became quite distressed as the interview progressed the trial hears.
Dewani spoke about the events of November 13th, and his relationship with Anni.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Spoke about his sexuality but requested the recorder be turned off
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:10 am African night life Dewani detailed his discussions with taxi driver Tongo and dinner at the Surfside restaurant during the interview with the UK journalist.
The accused spoke about a conversation about African dancing and how Anni wanted to see African night life.
Anni wanted to do an African dance at a family member's baby shower, the court hears.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Dewani explained that he had the money and his wife had the cellphones
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:14 am Request for interview to stop The interview does not make any reference to Shrien Dewani asking Tongo to organise a helicopter trip.
The only reference to a helicopter was the police helicopter being sent out to search for the vehicle.
Parker advised Dewani that there is talk that he is gay. Preyen (his brother) asks that the recording be stopped.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Parker advises SD that there is talk that he is gay. Preyen (brother) asks that the recording be stopped
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:15 am Sun receives solicitor's letter from Dewani Parker also interviewed the German Leopold Leisser in December 2010. Two articles were published.
"As a journalist, one tries to verify the story, and give an opportunity to respond," Parker tells the court.
Parker provided Max Clifford with the information, for him to respond. Clifford was Dewani's publicist at the time.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews The newspaper then received a letter from solicitors, acting on SD's behalf. Letter dated 14 December 2010
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:19 am Escort 'invented' story After reviewing the content, the newspaper decided to publish the story anyway.
The response was that Dewani was at the gym or with his family at those times.
The solicitors said Leisser had invented the account of the his experiences with Dewani.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews In the letter, SD denies having contact with Leisser, phone numbers, email addresses
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:21 am Anonymous tip offs The witness Nick Parker is now being cross examined by the defence's Van Zyl.
Van Zyl: "The second to last paragraph, you are transcribed as having said 'I'm sure you're aware of this in the SA papers'.... That you have had some sinister motive?
"Would it be fair to say there were rumours?"
Parker: "Yes and we received anonymous tip offs."
9:23 am Financial difficulty Van Zyl: "Would it be fair to say that at that stage, newspapers were reporting in South Africa, rumours that Shrien Dewani was involved?"
Parker: "As I understand, yes."
Van Zyl now hands Parker, a UK newspaper article in which it's reported that Dewani's company was in financial difficulty.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: That was a report on Friday (2010). NP: Yes. VZ: And rumours that he was somehow involved. NP: Yes
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:25 am Max Clifford's involvement Van Zyl: "Who was Mr. Max Clifford?"
Parker: "Mr. Dewani's PR consultant."
Van Zyl: "Did he represent the business?"
Parker: "I have no idea."
Van Zyl: "People like him are hired to do damage control."
9:28 am Dewani highly emotional Van Zyl: "You were contacted by Mr. Clifford's office to conduct interview with accused."
Parker: "Yes."
Van Zyl: "You told the court about the accused's demeanour during this interview."
Parker: "Yes."
Van Zyl: "Would it be fair to say that he became highly emotional?"
Parker: "Yes."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: You wrote an article on 8/12.2010, after SD's arrest and you informed your readers of your impression at the time
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:32 am Dewani meeting with Anni's family Defence lawyer Van Zyl is reading Parker's article out to the court.
Cape Town journalist Leigh-Anne Jansen describes Dewani as 'appearing calm today', after previous emotional breakdowns during the trial.
Van Zyl asks if Parker was aware that before his meeting with Dewani, Shrien had a meeting with Anni's family.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews NP: NO. VZ: He will say that the animosity was clear to him. He blamed himself.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:34 am Accused letter Van Zyl: "He did not tell them about the money he had with him and that was the reason they were attacked.
"And that is why he didn't mention that fact to you.
"The letter from the solicitors. The accused will tell the court that the letter was not written on his instruction."
9:38 am German story Van Zyl tells the court that the Shrien will say the letter was written after instruction from his brother Preyen.
Parker's phone rang during the interview just as Dewani was talking about the money, the court hears.
Van Zyl asked if the German went to the Mirror with the story before The Sun, but the reporter didn't know.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: Is it correct that Mr. Leisser first went to the Daily Mirror with the story. NP: I don't know
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:42 am Cost of the story Van Zyl: "Are you aware that Mr. Pharo (Leisser's agent) contacted your boss with the story?"
Parker: "I don't know."
Van Zyl: Usually, they expect payment for such a story.
Parker: "Usually."
Van Zyl: "Does £30,000 ring a bell?"
Parker: "Can't recall."
Van Zyl: "It would be fair that if the agent was involved, they would've wanted money?"
Parker: "Yes."
Van Zyl: "Once an agreement was reached between the agent and your boss, I presume your boss told you about the story?"
9:43 am Max Clifford contact Van Zyl: "When you wrote the story, you didn't contact the accused, but contacted Max Clifford?"
Parker: "Yes."
Van Zyl: "You never contacted the accused personally."
Parker: "Mr. Clifford was his publicist. All media had to go through him."
9:46 am Phone messages Parker was in Cape Town a week after the killing, the court hears.
He tried to contact the taxi driver Zola Tongo, but couldn't remember if he had left messages on his phone.
Parker was working with another man, journalist Mike Behr.
A transcript of messages left on the phone of a Nombaza Tuswa are handed into court.
9:52 am Buying comments Van Zyl says one message indicated that there were whispers of his involvement and giving the right of reply.
The lawyer asks Parker if he offered money for Tuswa to speak to him, something the reporter denies.
Van Zyl suggests someone in the media offered 1,500 rand (£83) for the interview.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: Were there other members of the media? NP: Not when I was there but everyone was chasing the story
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
9:57 am Anni's cousin takes stand Parker tells the court the solicitor's letter about the German's story was sent to the newspaper's legal department.
And that's it for Parker, no further questions and the witness steps down.
Now the state is calling Anni's cousin, Sneha Mashru.
10:02 am Cousin's photo Sneha Mashru, left in the picture below, is now on the stand.
A Swedish interpreter is in court in case she needs one
Shareen Riley will be questioning the witness.
Shrien 'clenches his jaw' in court, Cape Town reporter Leigh-Anne Jansen says.
Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru, who is one of the main prosecution witnesses
10:04 am Grew up together The interpreter has been sworn in and the testimony has begun.
Sneha is Anni's first cousin.
They grew up together. A year difference in their ages.
They went to the same high school and grew up in the same town.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 05:27:52 PM
PART 2 COURT monday 20th oct 2014
-----------------------------------
10:07 am Court adjourns And just minutes into the evidence of Anni's cousin Sneha Mashru the court has adjourned for a tea break.
The trial was been paused for an unspecified amount of time but it should not be long.
Sneha Mashru is one of the main prosecution witnesses in the case of her cousin's husband Shrien Dewani.
10:28 am Family tears Anni Dewani's cousin Sneha Mashru is due to give evidence when court resumes shortly.
While we wait for the case to come back on, we can look at an emotional moment for the family last week.
Her relatives broke down in tears as they visited the scene where her body was found last week.
Her parents sobbed as they laid 30 red roses with a picture of their daughter in Cape Town’s township of Khayelitsha - the first time they had been to the scene.
Anni’s mother Nilam Hindocha and father Vinod lit a candle underneath the roses and hugged and consoled each other as the emotion became too much.
They were joined in Hindu prayers by Anni’s sister Ami Denborg, brother Anish, uncle Ashok and cousin Nishma.
Anni’s father led the prayers and, as he bowed his head, other relatives around him wiped away tears.
Click here for the full story.
Shekhar Bhatia Anni Dewani's family at scene today, uncle Ashok, sister Ami, mother Nilam, Father Vinod, brother Anish and cousin Nishma
10:35 am Court resumes Sneha spent lots of time with Anni, when she got a job in Stockholm.
The pair traveled to London often. In 2009, Anni met Shrien on a blind date.
Anni moved to the UK in March 2010.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Anni and SD had a long-distance-relationship between May 2009 and March 2010
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:37 am Anni and cousin 'like sisters' Dewani has been to Sweden twice, the court hears.
The first time was in October and then again in November 2009.
Anni and I were more like sisters, her cousin tells the court.
"She confided in me and told me things she wouldn't tell her sister/brother," she says.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews I knew EVERYTHING about Anni. We knew we could trust each other.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:38 am Dewani 'a nice guy' at first Sneha met Shrien after the couple's third date.
"I thought, at the time that Shrien was a nice guy," she says. "Shrien and I used to have contact if it had anything to do with Anni.
"Sometimes Shrien would take Anni's phone and contact me in English."
10:42 am Shrien and Dewani break up "We had a relationship because he was dating my cousin," Sneha says. "[We] Only emailed when we were discussing wedding things."
"Anni was seeing Shrien. She thought she'd get to know him better if she moved to the UK.
"They had one break up in December 2009."
10:45 am 'Hearsay evidence' The break up was after Shrien's second visit to Sweden, Sneha says.
Shrien's lawyer Van Zyl says the witness is moving into 'hearsay' evidence.
The prosecution says they have called the cousin to help establish motive for the killing.
Riley is now citing case law to back up her argument in the hope of continuing.
10:50 am Couple get engaged after break up Judge Traverso is challenging the prosecution to ask why she should allow the hearsay evidence to be heard.
But the effort has not been successful, Traverso has dismissed the hearsay evidence and the examination continues.
Sneha continues: "They got back together after Anni and my trip to Singapore, after Shrien's 30th birthday.
" Anni called him to say happy birthday and the relationship started off again.
"The engagement took place in May 2010. Anni and I, together with her parents & brother, went to visit Bristol."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews The visit,according to us, was to introduce the parents.Kripa(Shrien's sister-in-law)came down the stairs with a tray
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:53 am Engagement was 'total shock' "Anni and I didn't know what this was about," Sneha says. "It came as a total shock to me and my family.
"The gesture was accepted. In our culture, when one gets engaged, the bride's father will send a letter to Shrien's father.
"This is to announce the engagement to the Indian community. The announcement was made on May 27th."
10:55 am Couple 'didn't spend time together' "The accused and Anni did not spend any time together after the announcement," Sneha continues. "Anni spent all her time with me.
"Shrien was at the same hotel as we were but we didn't see him."
Judge Traverso asks Sneha to clarify what an Indian wedding is about, how long it lasts and so on.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews 1. Engagement party. 2. Henna Party. 3. Morning prayers. 4. Indian wedding-walk around fire. 5. Reception
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:58 am Dewani taken ill after announcement "I saw Shrien approximately two times during this period," Sneha says.
"I left for the UK on November 2. The accused and Anni left the next day.
"Prior to the wedding, he fell ill and was hospitalised. I went Anni to visit him
"He told Anni he didn't want visitors. We thought it would be nice to visit as a surprise."
10:59 am Anni cried after surprise visit Sneha continued: "Shrien told her 'What are you doing here? I said I don't want visitors.
"Anni said 'What are they (Dewanis) doing here?'
"I went to the cab and waited five or 10 mins. Anni returned. She was crying in the cab.
"This was approximately five days before the wedding."
11:02 am 'Couple had argued' days before South Africa Notes are being passed to and from Shrien Dewani as Anni's evidence continues, Cape Town journalist Leigh-Anne Jansen says.
"I had contact with Anni while she was in Bristol and met up with them on November 7," Sneha continued.
"The meeting was to introduce my boyfriend (husband now) to Anni.
"Shrien was on his Blackberry non-stop. My husband even commented on it. I could tell that they had argued.
"That was the evening before they left for South Africa. That was the last time I saw Anni."
11:06 am Texts with cousin Sneha continued to have contact with Anni when she arrived in South Africa via text messages, the court hears.
They made contact on November 10 and 11th, and potentially the 9th.
The prosecution is now referred to excerpts from the text messages.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews The first text message was to Sneha. It reads "What should I do. I am really trying...."
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 05:29:27 PM
PART 3 COURT Monday 20th oct 2014
___________________________________________
11:08 am Anni 'already thinking of divorce" Sneha texted her cousin in South African: "If you don't fight and everything goes OK, wait until you get home."
"She was thinking of getting a divorce," he cousin tells the court.
Van Zyl has objected to this, claiming again that it is hearsay.
"My intention was if she felt that she couldn't be with him, when she comes back, we could think of options to leave," Sneha continues.
11:10 am Final text message The next message to her cousin was on November 11.
Anni texted: "Hi, it's much better now. Met a lovely couple."
Sneha indicates that she loves Anni and happy things are going well.
"I thought that things were getting better," Sneha says.
The next message from Anni read: "Going better than before. Hate the word divorce."
That was the last time the cousins had contact.
11:14 am Anni wanted to visit townships Sneha first heard Anni was killed on the early morning of November 14.
"I got a call from Preyen," she tells the court. "He asked for Ami's number.
" Had contact with the accused on several occasions while he was in South Africa.
"He said that Anni wanted to see the townships and that he was tired and wanted to go home."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews He said that 2 ppl came out of nowhere and banged on the window. Anni was screaming "let us go, we are on honeymoon"
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:16 am The car jacking Sneha is now describing what Shrien told her about the killing.
"He said he told Anni to be quiet," she says. "She took off her rings and have one to him. He thought it was the wedding ring.
"He said he told the robbers 'take this' and they said it wasn't worth anything,"
11:20 am Anni 'shot because she was screaming' Sneha says: "He also said do not ever repeat this to anyone else. The reason why Anni was shot was because she was screaming.
"He says he had a gun to his ear and that he was pushed out of the back seat window.
"I don't think I asked him at that stage what was stolen. I didn't think."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha:he also said do not ever repeat this to anyone else. The reason why Anni was shot was because she was screaming
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:23 am Dewani had 'funeral on spreadsheet' "Shrien had asked me to meet him at their house in Bristol when he arrived," Sneha continues.
"He had the whole funeral event on a spreadsheet (in detail). I found it strange."
"He said had she not been screaming, she wouldn't have been shot. He said never to repeat it to anyone."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: He had the whole funeral event on a spreadsheet (in detail). I found it strange
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:27 am Shrien had 'no love for wife's body' Anni's funeral took place on November 20 and 21.
Sneha says: "On Friday 19th,I wanted to do Anni's make up one last time. Me, Ami went to the funeral parlour to dress Anni.
"Shrien's mom and aunt were there. He was treating the body, not with love.
"He was squeezing the bangles. She was swollen. I said stop, you're hurting her."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: Until today, I can hear how he dropped dropped her hand on the steel table. I didn't see the love, My Lady
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:30 am Meeting to clear air between families Sneha continues: "Me, Vinod & Nilam met Shrien and Preyes in the flat at Marble Arch a day or two after the funeral.
"The purpose of the meeting was to clear the air. We were not on good terms. Part 2 Monday
10:07 am Court adjourns And just minutes into the evidence of Anni's cousin Sneha Mashru the court has adjourned for a tea break.
The trial was been paused for an unspecified amount of time but it should not be long.
Sneha Mashru is one of the main prosecution witnesses in the case of her cousin's husband Shrien Dewani.
10:28 am Family tears Anni Dewani's cousin Sneha Mashru is due to give evidence when court resumes shortly.
While we wait for the case to come back on, we can look at an emotional moment for the family last week.
Her relatives broke down in tears as they visited the scene where her body was found last week.
Her parents sobbed as they laid 30 red roses with a picture of their daughter in Cape Town’s township of Khayelitsha - the first time they had been to the scene.
Anni’s mother Nilam Hindocha and father Vinod lit a candle underneath the roses and hugged and consoled each other as the emotion became too much.
They were joined in Hindu prayers by Anni’s sister Ami Denborg, brother Anish, uncle Ashok and cousin Nishma.
Anni’s father led the prayers and, as he bowed his head, other relatives around him wiped away tears.
Click here for the full story.
Shekhar Bhatia Anni Dewani's family at scene today, uncle Ashok, sister Ami, mother Nilam, Father Vinod, brother Anish and cousin Nishma
10:35 am Court resumes Sneha spent lots of time with Anni, when she got a job in Stockholm.
The pair traveled to London often. In 2009, Anni met Shrien on a blind date.
Anni moved to the UK in March 2010.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Anni and SD had a long-distance-relationship between May 2009 and March 2010
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:37 am Anni and cousin 'like sisters' Dewani has been to Sweden twice, the court hears.
The first time was in October and then again in November 2009.
Anni and I were more like sisters, her cousin tells the court.
"She confided in me and told me things she wouldn't tell her sister/brother," she says.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews I knew EVERYTHING about Anni. We knew we could trust each other.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:38 am Dewani 'a nice guy' at first Sneha met Shrien after the couple's third date.
"I thought, at the time that Shrien was a nice guy," she says. "Shrien and I used to have contact if it had anything to do with Anni.
"Sometimes Shrien would take Anni's phone and contact me in English."
10:42 am Shrien and Dewani break up "We had a relationship because he was dating my cousin," Sneha says. "[We] Only emailed when we were discussing wedding things."
"Anni was seeing Shrien. She thought she'd get to know him better if she moved to the UK.
"They had one break up in December 2009."
10:45 am 'Hearsay evidence' The break up was after Shrien's second visit to Sweden, Sneha says.
Shrien's lawyer Van Zyl says the witness is moving into 'hearsay' evidence.
The prosecution says they have called the cousin to help establish motive for the killing.
Riley is now citing case law to back up her argument in the hope of continuing.
10:50 am Couple get engaged after break up Judge Traverso is challenging the prosecution to ask why she should allow the hearsay evidence to be heard.
But the effort has not been successful, Traverso has dismissed the hearsay evidence and the examination continues.
Sneha continues: "They got back together after Anni and my trip to Singapore, after Shrien's 30th birthday.
" Anni called him to say happy birthday and the relationship started off again.
"The engagement took place in May 2010. Anni and I, together with her parents & brother, went to visit Bristol."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews The visit,according to us, was to introduce the parents.Kripa(Shrien's sister-in-law)came down the stairs with a tray
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:53 am Engagement was 'total shock' "Anni and I didn't know what this was about," Sneha says. "It came as a total shock to me and my family.
"The gesture was accepted. In our culture, when one gets engaged, the bride's father will send a letter to Shrien's father.
"This is to announce the engagement to the Indian community. The announcement was made on May 27th."
10:55 am Couple 'didn't spend time together' "The accused and Anni did not spend any time together after the announcement," Sneha continues. "Anni spent all her time with me.
"Shrien was at the same hotel as we were but we didn't see him."
Judge Traverso asks Sneha to clarify what an Indian wedding is about, how long it lasts and so on.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews 1. Engagement party. 2. Henna Party. 3. Morning prayers. 4. Indian wedding-walk around fire. 5. Reception
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
10:58 am Dewani taken ill after announcement "I saw Shrien approximately two times during this period," Sneha says.
"I left for the UK on November 2. The accused and Anni left the next day.
"Prior to the wedding, he fell ill and was hospitalised. I went Anni to visit him
"He told Anni he didn't want visitors. We thought it would be nice to visit as a surprise."
10:59 am Anni cried after surprise visit Sneha continued: "Shrien told her 'What are you doing here? I said I don't want visitors.
"Anni said 'What are they (Dewanis) doing here?'
"I went to the cab and waited five or 10 mins. Anni returned. She was crying in the cab.
"This was approximately five days before the wedding."
11:02 am 'Couple had argued' days before South Africa Notes are being passed to and from Shrien Dewani as Anni's evidence continues, Cape Town journalist Leigh-Anne Jansen says.
"I had contact with Anni while she was in Bristol and met up with them on November 7," Sneha continued.
"The meeting was to introduce my boyfriend (husband now) to Anni.
"Shrien was on his Blackberry non-stop. My husband even commented on it. I could tell that they had argued.
"That was the evening before they left for South Africa. That was the last time I saw Anni."
11:06 am Texts with cousin Sneha continued to have contact with Anni when she arrived in South Africa via text messages, the court hears.
They made contact on November 10 and 11th, and potentially the 9th.
The prosecution is now referred to excerpts from the text messages.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews The first text message was to Sneha. It reads "What should I do. I am really trying...."
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:08 am Anni 'already thinking of divorce" Sneha texted her cousin in South African: "If you don't fight and everything goes OK, wait until you get home."
"She was thinking of getting a divorce," he cousin tells the court.
Van Zyl has objected to this, claiming again that it is hearsay.
"My intention was if she felt that she couldn't be with him, when she comes back, we could think of options to leave," Sneha continues.
11:10 am Final text message The next message to her cousin was on November 11.
Anni texted: "Hi, it's much better now. Met a lovely couple."
Sneha indicates that she loves Anni and happy things are going well.
"I thought that things were getting better," Sneha says.
The next message from Anni read: "Going better than before. Hate the word divorce."
That was the last time the cousins had contact.
11:14 am Anni wanted to visit townships Sneha first heard Anni was killed on the early morning of November 14.
"I got a call from Preyen," she tells the court. "He asked for Ami's number.
" Had contact with the accused on several occasions while he was in South Africa.
"He said that Anni wanted to see the townships and that he was tired and wanted to go home."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews He said that 2 ppl came out of nowhere and banged on the window. Anni was screaming "let us go, we are on honeymoon"
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:16 am The car jacking Sneha is now describing what Shrien told her about the killing.
"He said he told Anni to be quiet," she says. "She took off her rings and have one to him. He thought it was the wedding ring.
"He said he told the robbers 'take this' and they said it wasn't worth anything,"
11:20 am Anni 'shot because she was screaming' Sneha says: "He also said do not ever repeat this to anyone else. The reason why Anni was shot was because she was screaming.
"He says he had a gun to his ear and that he was pushed out of the back seat window.
"I don't think I asked him at that stage what was stolen. I didn't think."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha:he also said do not ever repeat this to anyone else. The reason why Anni was shot was because she was screaming
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:23 am Dewani had 'funeral on spreadsheet' "Shrien had asked me to meet him at their house in Bristol when he arrived," Sneha continues.
"He had the whole funeral event on a spreadsheet (in detail). I found it strange."
"He said had she not been screaming, she wouldn't have been shot. He said never to repeat it to anyone."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: He had the whole funeral event on a spreadsheet (in detail). I found it strange
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:27 am Shrien had 'no love for wife's body' Anni's funeral took place on November 20 and 21.
Sneha says: "On Friday 19th,I wanted to do Anni's make up one last time. Me, Ami went to the funeral parlour to dress Anni.
"Shrien's mom and aunt were there. He was treating the body, not with love.
"He was squeezing the bangles. She was swollen. I said stop, you're hurting her."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: Until today, I can hear how he dropped dropped her hand on the steel table. I didn't see the love, My Lady
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:30 am Meeting to clear air between families Sneha continues: "Me, Vinod & Nilam met Shrien and Preyes in the flat at Marble Arch a day or two after the funeral.
"The purpose of the meeting was to clear the air. We were not on good terms.
"We were also going to collect Anni's clothes from Bristol.
"I recorded the proceedings because I thought things that Shrien had told me didn't make sense."
11:37 am 'No money in purse' Sneha says: "I do not remember if I told Anni's mother or not. The meeting was approximately three hours.
"I think it was Shrien who said that Anni was fighting for her bag. I know 100% that she would give her purse.
"I asked what was in that purse. He said her phone and Elizabeth Arden make up."
No mention of money.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: We then went to Max Clifford's office..to set the record straight that there was no animosity btw Vinod&Shrien
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:49 am Uncomfortable behaviour Sneha continues: "He said had she not been screaming, she wouldn't be shot.
"I felt very uncomfortable in the house. His behaviour was not the way I expected of someone who was grieving."
Court is due to adjourn shortly for lunch.
11:58 am Court adjourns Court has now adjourned for the lunch time break.
"We were also going to collect Anni's clothes from Bristol.
"I recorded the proceedings because I thought things that Shrien had told me didn't make sense."
11:37 am 'No money in purse' Sneha says: "I do not remember if I told Anni's mother or not. The meeting was approximately three hours.
"I think it was Shrien who said that Anni was fighting for her bag. I know 100% that she would give her purse.
"I asked what was in that purse. He said her phone and Elizabeth Arden make up."
No mention of money.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: We then went to Max Clifford's office..to set the record straight that there was no animosity btw Vinod&Shrien
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
11:49 am Uncomfortable behaviour Sneha continues: "He said had she not been screaming, she wouldn't be shot.
"I felt very uncomfortable in the house. His behaviour was not the way I expected of someone who was grieving."
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: APRIL on October 20, 2014, 05:35:20 PM
If only fairy tales were true, eh ?{)(**
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 05:51:00 PM
PART 4
11:49 am Uncomfortable behaviour Sneha continues: "He said had she not been screaming, she wouldn't be shot.
"I felt very uncomfortable in the house. His behaviour was not the way I expected of someone who was grieving."
Court is due to adjourn shortly for lunch.
11:58 am Court adjourns Court has now adjourned for the lunch time break.
This morning we have heard from Sun reporter Nick Parker, who explained how he met Shrien Dewani during an interview after his wife's killing.
The main evidence today so far though has been from Anni's cousin Sneha Mashru.
Sneha described their relationship 'as like sisters', telling the court how close they were.
She claimed her cousin was already thinking of divorce after arriving in South Africa, and claimed Dewani was behaving strangely after he death.
The trial will resume after lunch and we will continue to bring you all the updates from the case, as they happen.
12:26 pm Double medication As we wait for the end of the lunch time break, here are some more details from this morning's hearing.
Southern Africa correspondent for the Daily Telegraph Aislinn Laing reports Anni had been told to be careful with her contraception to avoid becoming pregnant.
She had been taking a double dose of acne medication before the wedding.
Mashru: Anni had also been told to be very careful with her contraception as not meant to fall pregnant until a month after the medication
— Aislinn Laing (@Simmoa) October 20, 2014
12:38 pm Divorce taboo Sneha Mashru told the court the divorce Anni was talking about 'would look bad to any family in Hindu society, especially to the Dewanis'.
She said when she went to the police she said: "I was suspicious of Shrien, of the things I stated earlier and also because I knew that Shrien already had one broken engagement because in our Hindu culture that was seen as a taboo."
The cousin also questioned media reports that the relationship was a happy one.
"I thought: ‘It wasn’t, and why are you lying?’” she said.
Asked why especially the Dewanis, she replies: "I knew the Dewani name meant a lot to them, that would be considered as shameful."
— Aislinn Laing (@Simmoa) October 20, 2014
1:03 pm This morning's summary Murdered honeymoon bride Anni Dewani was thinking of divorcing her husband just days before she was killed, a court has heard.
Her husband Shrien Dewani is accused of conspiring to kill his wife in Cape Town in November 2010, and after a five day break his trial resumed today.
This morning the court heard testimony from her cousin Sneha Mashru, who claims Anni texted her her thoughts about ending the marriage just days after it began.
Click here for the full summary of todays events so far, as we await for the trial to resume after lunch.
Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru, who is one of the main prosecution witnesses
1:12 pm Shared emails More details now from this morning's hearing as we wait for the lunch time break to finish.
Sneha said she and her cousin Anni had the same password to their hotmail email accounts.
But she found that when she tried to log in the password had been changed.
Mashru says she asked Preyel and Preyen for the new password and was told it would be given to her, but "to this day" it never was.
— Aislinn Laing (@Simmoa) October 20, 2014
1:31 pm Dewani 'Cold and controlling' Early this morning, Sneha described Dewani as 'cold and controlling' after his wife's death.
She told the court he was not acting like a man who was grieving for his murdered bride.
"He also said his suits were too big for him so he needed to go to the tailors," she said.
Mashru: "My thought was why do you care about your appearance in these circumstances? He was eating like normal, and it seemed odd to me."
— Aislinn Laing (@Simmoa) October 20, 2014
1:32 pm Court resumes after lunch The trial was now resumed after the lunch break.
Anni's cousin Sneha Mashru is back on the stand.
Sneha tells the court her uncle, Ashok knew she was going to approach the police about her concerns regarding Shrien.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha: Shrien asked me a few times while in SA and after the murder "Sneha, I need to know was Anni happy."
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
1:34 pm Recording of family meeting Prosecutor Riley moves onto the recording Sneha had made of the meeting between the Hindochas and the Dewanis.
The recording won't be played to the court however. Instead a 16-page extract is handed in as exhibit S2.
As reported earlier, this was a meeting held to clear the air between the families after Anni's death.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Sneha confirms that the contents is correct, as it was recorded
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
1:40 pm Account of the meeting Sneha says: "Shrien did not say that he went into the hotel and came back outside to speak to the driver (Tongo)
Shrien does not indicate that there was further contact between him and Tongo on the Friday night.
He also made no mention of the fact that he 'd met Tongo on the Saturday, to exchange money.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Preyen's comment: "Because, you know Sneha, you look as though you're doubting." Sneha:"No, I'm just listening."
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
1:48 pm What wasn't said The prosecution is continuing to highlight what Shrien didn't say during the meeting between the two families.
He made no mention of any extra money in Anni's handbag.
Shrien also made no mention of a helicopter flip he'd planned for him and Anni or that he had money with him for that.
1:50 pm Cross examination begins Defence lawyer Van Zyl is now cross examining Sneha.
Van Zyl: "Did you get a copy of the statement you made to police in 2011?
"I presume you didn't leak a copy of that to the media."
Sneha: "No, My Lady, I did not."
Van Zyl: "You said you made the recording because you were suspicious of the accused."
"Were you aware of rumours in the press that the accused may have been involved."
Sneha: "I'm not sure, to be honest."
1:51 pm Family suspicious of Dewani Van Zyl: "You were suspicious enough to make a secret recording?"
Sneha: "Yes. For me I felt that something was wrong.
"I did it for me. I wanted to know what happened to Anni.
"During the funeral, my uncle Ashok, asked me if there's anything I wanted to tell him about Anni and Shrien.
"He was also suspicious. I showed him the text messages. He said "you should give this to the police."
1:55 pm Defence denies break up Van Zyl: "That suspicion that drove you to the police. You are still suspicious today.
Sneha: "Shrien is here, accused of something. Due to the circumstances we are here today, I still have my suspicions, yes."
Van Zyl: "You say they saw each other once a month."
Sneha: "Yes, approximately once a month."
Van Zyl: "The accused will say that at the beginning you're right but as the relationship got more serious, it was more.
"The accused will say that your evidence that they broke it off, is incorrect."
2:00 pm Cousin insists they split Sneha: "Anni and I went to Singapore. We were going to meet Shrien, Preyen and his wife Kripa. But we did not, as it was broken off.
"That is how I know for sure that they had broken it off."
Van Zyl: "When, do you say, they started going out again?"
Sneha: "I can't recall exactly when they started again."
Van Zyl: "But if they broke it off in December, by the beginning of Jan, they were not seeing each other?"
2:06 pm Anni and Shrien emails Van Zyl hands in an email from Anni to Shrien on January 14 , 2010.
In it, Anni speaks about moving on and finding a life partner.
She confesses her love for Shrien and says she'll pray for him.
Sneha says she doesn't recall this email, and then Van Zyl hands in Shrien's reply
In it, Shrien says the mail was like a bomb. He loves Anni, it says.
2:09 pm Birthday missed due to breakup Anni's email to Shrien said: "I've finally found some I really like and enjoy being with, who doesn't irritate me as much as everyone else."
Van Zyl says to Sneha" "These emails seem to fly in the face of what you said that the relationship ended in December."
Sneha: "My Lady, I was with Anni. The relationship had broken off. I know, because we spoke about it. I was there."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews SM: We didn't celebrate his 30th birthday (a big one) with him because they were not together.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
2:16 pm Dewani gets emotional Shrien Dewani is tearing up as the emails are being read out, it has been reported.
Times reporter Ruth Maclean says the accused has also been shaking his head as the court listens to claims his relationship with Anni ended at one point.
Meanwhile her cousin continues to insist the pair split before the engagement announcement.
Shrien #Dewani shakes his head and mouths “it wasn't” as Anni's cousin claims their relationship was broken up in Dec 2009
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean) October 20, 2014
2:18 pm Engagement announcement Van Zyl: "In Hindu culture, how do people become engaged?"
Sneha: "I will tell as much as I know. I'm not a priest. The official engagement takes place when the bride's father sends, what we call, a telegram to the male's father.
Van Zyl: "When was this telegram sent between the deceased and accused?"
Sneha: "The telegram was sent from Vinod to Prakash on the 27th of May 2010."
Van Zyl: "The accused will tell the court that that meeting, (between the families) in Bristol, took place on the 8th of May. Can you dispute that?"
Sneha: "No I can't. We (Anni, me, Vinod, Nilam and Anish) did not discuss any engagement in the car. That's why it came as a surprise."
2:20 pm Marriage tradition Van Zyl: "What's the meaning of the silver tray?"
Sneha: "Anni's parents explained that that is how you propose an engagement."
Van Zyl: "Did the deceased also give one?"
Sneha: "We stopped for flowers, etc. That's what we do when you go to someone's home."
2:27 pm Hindu gods In a bizarre twist, defence lawyer Van Zyl is now asking Sneha about what the Hindu god Ganesh 'does'.
Ganesh is the elephant headed deity worshipped throughout India.
The figure is seen as as the 'remover of obstacles', the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.
2:30 pm Anni loved Shrien Van Zyl: "Why was the telegram not sent on the 8th but only on the 27th of May? Does that not indicate that the event on the 7th was not an engagement?
Sneha: "No, My Lady. Anni's parents explained."
Van Zyl: "Was this an arranged marriage or was this because of the love the two people had for each other?"
Sneha: "Anni had doubts. I helped compose the email to Shrien. After that, they went ahead with the engagement.
"My Lady, it wasn't an arranged marriage. Anni emailed Shrien.
"She had her doubts, but decided to go ahead with the engagement.
"She went ahead with the engagement after Shrien said he would change his ways and he loved her."
Van Zyl: "Maybe I should ask this directly. Did she love him?"
Sneha: "Yes she did, My Lady."
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: Maybe I should ask this directly. Did she love him? SM: Yes she did, My Lady
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 20, 2014
2:43 pm Couple had problems Van Zyl: "Was she still in love with him in the time leading up to the wedding."
Sneha: "They had their issues, but yes."
Van Zyl: "Was she still in love with him in October?"
Sneha: "Yes."
Van Zyl: "The accused will tell the court that they had their differences but they were still in love with each other."
Sneha: "My Lady, Anni & Shrien had lots of problems. That's why after India, we discussed possible divorce.
"She said she could not live with Shrien and didn't initially want to go to South Africa with him.
"I told her maybe she should go to SA to sort out their differences. I told her, if you can't stay with him I will put money in your Swedish account and come home."
2:43 pm Hospital illness Van Zyl: "Why was he in hospital?"
Sneha: "I believe it was food poisoning but didn't ask Shrien myself."
Van Zyl: "That's correct. He had severe diarrhea. He was soiling his bed and vomiting. He did not want her to see him. Do you have any knowledge of that?
Sneha: "My Lady, I can only say what I heard and what Anni told me."
2:45 pm Dewanis had 'issues' Van Zyl reads an email Anni had sent to Shrien on October 18, wishing he gets well soon.
The lawyer says: "The accused will tell the court this email is keeping in line with what the deceased felt for him.
Sneha: "This is prior my and Anni's visit to Shrien."
Van Zyl: "The accused will say they really loved each other."
Sneha: "My Lady, they did get married but they had lots of issues. That's why she was thinking of leaving.
Van Zyl: "Are you saying she wasn't sincere?"
Sneha: "At that time, she was."
Van Zyl: "You say, after the wedding, the deceased spent more time with you than the accused."
Sneha: "Yes. But I left a day before. She left a day after me."
2:49 pm Love and leaving Sneha left India on November 2, the court heard, followed by Anni the day after.
In the email from Anni, she said to her future husband: "I love you so much. You have so many good sides. I miss you and can't wait to get married to you."
But her cousin insists she was thinking of leaving him.
“They did get married, however there were a lot of issues & therefore she was thinking of leaving him” Sneha Mashru on #Dewani relationship
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean) October 20, 2014
2:53 pm Anni 'would rather spend time with cousin than husband' Sneha: "She spent most of her time with me, because we also went for a massage."
"I recall one phrase to her. I said Anni, you should go spend time with your new family. You are a Dewani now.
"She said, no, I'd rather spend time with you."
"They packed 29 suitcases" weighing over 200 kilos, after the wedding, Van Zyl says. Big wedding. #Dewani
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean) October 20, 2014
3:00 pm Medical records show 'Anni was trying to get pregnant' Sneha: "She [Anni] said 'It's not that I don't want to go to South Africa. I don't want to go anywhere with Shrien'.
"They were not trying for a baby. If they were, she would tell me."
Van Zyl hands in doctor's records. The records detail menstrual cycles, the fact that she was not on contraceptives and note saying Anni was trying for a baby.
“Just got married. Trying to get pregnant” Anni #Dewani's doctor wrote in her medical notes. Is she surprised, Van Zyl asks her cousin
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean) October 20, 2014
3:16 pm Court adjourns for the day Court has adjourned for the day and is set to resume tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 20, 2014, 06:06:39 PM
Some 200k was spent on the wedding. I think I read somewhere that there's a negative correlation between amount spent and the success of the marriage.
I know that money is a sign of importance for the males in a marraige ceremony in some cultures Holly. That amount of money was nothing to this family. I dont think money meant much to Anni either. I believe she was ready to break of the engagement at one time. If she had doubts then, maybe she was concerned about the cost and embarassment to others. If she had broken the engagement....She would be alive today.......no matter who was responsible for her death.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on October 20, 2014, 10:47:35 PM
I know that money is a sign of importance for the males in a marraige ceremony in some cultures Holly. That amount of money was nothing to this family. I dont think money meant much to Anni either. I believe she was ready to break of the engagement at one time. If she had doubts then, maybe she was concerned about the cost and embarassment to others. If she had broken the engagement....She would be alive today.......no matter who was responsible for her death.
I'm not sure of the true wealth of the Dewani family and what % of their wealth the 200k wedding represented. My personal experience of Indians is that they can be terrible snobs and social climbers. Perhaps due to the Indian social structure of the caste system. In any event it appears small change compared with the daughter of former disgraced Barclays' boss, Bob Diamond, whose dress alone was in the region of the Dewani's wedding. Not bad for one of the greatest all-time bank robbers @)(++(*
I'm not sure of the true wealth of the Dewani family and what % of their wealth the 200k wedding represented. My personal experience of Indians is that they can be terrible snobs and social climbers. Perhaps due to the Indian social structure of the caste system. In any event it appears small change compared with the daughter of former disgraced Barclays' boss, Bob Diamond, whose dress alone was in the region of the Dewani's wedding. Not bad for one of the greatest all-time bank robbers @)(++(*
Sadly many tragedies are 'sliding doors' effect and 'if onlys'
I dont thibk you were off topic, Holly. Just a comparison really. You can read about the Dewani wealth here....................... http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=5399.0
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 21, 2014, 03:34:47 PM
The murder trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani continues in South Africa 9:12 am The trial of the honeymoon murder suspect continues in South Africa. Yesterday the court in Cape Town heard from his new bride Anni Dewani's cousin Sneha Mashru.
She claimed Anni was 'thinking of divorce' just days before she was killed.
Anni Dewani was shot on 13 November 2010 after the couple's car was hijacked during their honeymoon in Cape Town.
After a lengthy legal battle to fight extradition, Dewani is now standing trial accused of her murder.
Xolile Mngeni, who was serving a 25-year prison sentence for firing the shot that killed Anni, died in the hospital wing of Goodwood Prison in Cape Town on Saturday. He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour soon after his arrest in 2011.
9:27 am Anni's cousin continues giving evidence According to reporter Leigh-Anne Jansen, Mrs Mashru told the court Anni confided in her that the newly weds were 'acting happy' for the wedding and were having problems because he was having trouble in the bedroom.
9:35 am Van Zyl, defending Dewani, is quizzing Mrs Mashru about the contraceptives Anni was taking and when she stopped doing so. He put it to her that she had stopped taking the pills before the August honeymoon, but Anni's cousin said this was not the case.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews SM: On 14/08, was my uncle's 50th birthday party&she was taking the tablets. I know for a fact
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
9:44 am Mr Zyl also asked Anni's cousin why she chose to go to the police on November 30. She replied that she was "suspicious" of Dewani and wanted to know if he was involved. She admits not telling the Metropolitan Police that one day during the honeymoon Anni wanted continue to sightseeing, but Dewani wanted to go home.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: Why didn't you tell police that he told you not to tell anyone that she was killed because of screaming?
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
9:52 am According to Leigh-Anne Jansen Mrs Mashru confirmed that did not tell police Anni had wanted to see the townships, and that Shrien had told her in a phonecall that she was "killed because of screaming".
She also said she had not been aware of any Dewani family plans for a memorial for Anni.
9:54 am Van Zyl is now asking Mrs Mashru about Dewani's contact with Anni's body.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: As to his handling of the body of the deceased. Have you ever been in the presence of a corpse before?
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
9:57 am The case has been adjourned for a short while after Mrs Mashru broke down in tears recalling her cousin's body.
She had been asked if she was aware the body becomes "stiff and swollen from embalming".
10:10 am Sneha Mashru is now back in the witness box and apologises for getting emotional. Judge reassures her it is ok.
Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru, who is one of the main prosecution witnesses
10:12 am Anni' cousin tells the court that Dewani had a hand in dressing Anni's body and wanted everything to be perfect. She said he even straightened her sari.
10:14 am The witness says she did not see any love when Dewani was preparing his wife's body her funeral.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: How did you expect him to behave? SM: I wanted to see the sadness, the grieving, the love.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
10:17 am Van Zyl concedes that Dewani is a perfectionist and that his why he wanted tailored suits for the funeral. This is something that Anni's cousin said she found strange.
10:20 am Mrs Mashru is now being quizzed about the "taboo" of divorce by Van Zyl. He puts it to her that Dewani's family just wanted him to be happy. He had been engaged before - but it had been called off, the court hears.
10:24 am The court hears Dewani spent hundreds and thousands of pounds renovating his house in preparation for sharing the home with Anni.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: He will say that he spent hundreds of thousands of Pounds on these renovations for when Anni is his wife.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
10:28 am Hindocha family looked after Anni for 28 years, Dewani couldn't do it for two weeks Van Zyl suggests there was animosity between the Hindocha and Dewani family over Anni's funeral.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: He was blamed. The Hindocha family said they looked after her for 28years and he couldn't do it for 2 weeks
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
10:37 am Court hears that although the cultural requirement is 11, Dewani bought Anni 100 saris from India.
Anni and Shrien Dewani
10:40 am Anni's cousin is now being asked what information and data she disclosed to police. She said she handed over her phone and that detectives took everything they could. Mrs Mashru also told the court that to make things easier she had made a folder called "Anni".
She denies any knowledge of the family blocking defence attempts at getting hold of BBC Panorama footage.
10:42 am Anni's cousin tells the court she does not know who set up the Facebook page @Justice4Anni. And with that her evidence concludes.
10:46 am Anni's medical records will not be made available to the media.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews The content of the medical records re Anni will not be made available to the media, due to personal nature
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
The case has been adjourned for a short break. The court is due to next hear from an Afrikaans-speaking witness.
11:01 am South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant Cornelius Jacobus Mellet has taken to the witness stand.
11:04 am He was on duty at Harare police station when there was a radio announcement about a hijacking & kidnapping. A short while later, Cpt. Buys arrived at the station.
11:07 am Captain Bury was with Dewani him what had happened on the night of the murder.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews While Cpt. Buys spoke to SD, he appeared emotional. SD repeatedly requested that someone takes him to the hotel
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
11:11 am Sgt Mellet tells the court Dewani was dressed very neatly and did not understand why he wanted to get back to the hotel so urgently.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews CM: I couldn't see with my experience in Khayelitsha, that this person was involved in a robbery without a struggle.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
11:16 am The witness says Dewani told him he and Anni had been on their way back to the hotel. He claimed their vehicle had been was hijacked, he was offloaded and then "they drove off with his wife".
Noble/Draper Killing: Taxi Anni Dewani was shot dead inside
11:20 am Sgt Mellet is now recounting the version of events Dewani gave him. He says the businessman explained that Anni had wanted to see the township nightlife for one last time and that they drove on the freeway.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews CM: The driver turned off at Gugulethu/Crossroads offramp. The vehicle stopped. A person opened the right front door
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
11:24 am The witness recalls Dewani telling him that the man forced the driver out and another man also got into the car.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews CM: He threatened them with a firearm and robbed them. He also said the person wore a woolen hat.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
This man is said to have used the hat to wipe down every surface that he touched. Dewani also told the officer that he checked his watch and noted that the time was 22.47.
11:31 am Dewani allegedly told Mellet that after they were robbed, the carjackers ordered him to leave and ignored him when he asked them to let Anni go as well.
The witness said that as a married man himself, he found it "strange" that Dewani did not ask "what the police, in their power, were doing to find his wife. He looked tense and was sweating".
11:36 am The witness described Dewani running down the passage when they returned to the hotel. Mellet explained that he spoke to hotel security and looked at CCTV to try and get a registration for the taxi.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews CM: SD told me when they were picked up. I had no success with the description SD gave of main entrance of the hotel.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
11:43 am The court hears that after looking through the footage Mellet and his colleagues saw a short black man with the couple who was later identified as Zola Tongo.
He was also able to get a description of the car using Cyclops - a system the monitors cameras on the main routes. The police were further traced the last location of one of the phones Anni had with her that night.
11:48 am Van Zyl has started his re-examination of Sgt Mellet, and is asking him about the statement he initially made in October 2011 - almost a year after the incident.
But the witness told court he made notes of his conversation with Dewani the day after speaking to him.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews CM: I keep my notes in my safe when they're full and take them when I need them, like my book, today
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
11:56 am Mellet explains to the court that he handed his notes to Col. Barkhuizen (from the DPCI) and never received them back. But he says that he made a summarised entry in his pocket book.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: Did you make a short summary in your book. Yes or No? CM: Yes. VZ: So please tell us where is the summary?
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
12:00 pm The witness explains that not every detail is in his pocket book, nor is a complete statement. The defence want to know where the notes are that he used to formulate his October 2011 statement.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: There is no indication of the statement of what was said between you and SD. CM: Correct
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
12:11 pm The court has adjourned for lunch.
This morning we have heard the conclusion of Sneha Mashru's evidence. She became emotional as she recalled handling her beloved cousin Anni's body in preparation for the funeral.
She had earlier told the court she had been disturbed by Dewani’s “unloving” and “strange” behaviour after Anni, 28, was shot dead.
Mrs Mashru told Cape Town high court she later watched Dewani “manhandle” Anni’s body before her funeral and plan the service on a spreadsheet in minute detail.
Today she broke down in tears as she recalled dressing her cousin and the case had be to adjounred. In cross examination, Francois Van Zyl, defending, suggested that Dewani was a perfectionist and just wanted everything to be proper.
He put it to her that the body had become stiff as a result of the embalming process.
We have also had evidence in chief from Cornelius Jacobus Mellet, the SAPS sergeant who took Dewani's version of events on the fateful night of November 13, 2010.
The trial will resume after lunch with more cross-examination of the witness, and we will continue to bring you all the updates from the case, as they happen.
1:23 pm The case has now resumed after lunch with Sgt Mellet back in the witness box. He says it is surprising that copies of his original notes cannot be located.
1:50 pm Earlier the court heard that Anni had spoken to a doctor about planning to get pregnant before she set off for the tragic honeymoon.
Francois van Zyl, defending Dewani, told the Western Cape High Court that he had medical notes that showed she visited the doctor on November 4 2010 and told him she was trying to conceive.
1:58 pm Cross-examining Mrs Dewani's cousin and prosecution witness Sneha Mashru, Mr Van Zyl said this made her evidence about a supposedly rocky relationship strange.
"I have to put it to you that what she told the doctor, that she wanted to become pregnant, that she wanted to get medication, flies in the face of what you told me about divorce," he said.
Getty Shrien Dewani's defence Lawyer Francois Van Zyl suggested conception plans were strange in the context of the rocky relationship that had been described by Mrs Mashru
2:05 pm Mrs Mashru said Anni would have told her about wanting to get pregnant and had been on a double dose of prescription medicine to clear her skin.
She was warned to use double contraception for at least a month after taking the tablets because there could be genetic defects or a miscarriage if she fell pregnant, the court heard.
2:10 pm Mr Van Zyl said Anni had sent a text message to her mother-in-law telling her she was having a great time on honeymoon.
He asked the witness whether she knew if his client was aware of the conversations she and her cousin had had about divorce.
Mrs Mashru replied that while she applied make-up to Anni for her henna party, the bride had confided in her that she and Dewani had decided to act for the rest of the wedding.
"I know for a fact that Shrien and Anni's sex life was not good because Shrien was having problems having an erection," she said.
2:22 pm The sergeant who spoke to Dewani on the night of the murder is being cross-examined by Van Zyl. While Sgt Mettel told the court he found it strange that Dewani was not asking what was being done to find his wife, he appeared traumatised.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: Was he crying? CM: He was crying. VZ: Did he look anxious? CM: He looked traumatised
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
2:30 pm Before lunch Sgt Mellet said that when he and Dewani had got back to the hotel, the suspected murderer ran through the passage towards his room.
He insisted this was the case when pressed on the issue, but after the court was shown footage of Dewani walking, conceded the issue.
2:41 pm Van Zyl put it to the witness that his client wanted to rush back to the hotel so that he could make international phonecalls to his father and brother - something he could not do from the police station.
He also asked why he thought it strange that Dewani had not asked about the search for Anni.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews CM: If it was me, I would've asked repeatedly asked what police are doing to trace my wife
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
2:45 pm Van Zyl suggested that in his notes Sgt Mellet had tried to create suspicion. The witness had also said that Dewani had appeared clean when on his way back to the hotel.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews VZ: To create suspicion? CM: I wouldn't say there was an intention like that from my side.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 21, 2014
2:48 pm Sgt Mellet told the court that nine times out of 10 someone who had come into contact with an armed thug would be injured. He also said that a number of tourists had been hijacked in the area.
2:53 pm Dewani's lawyer put it to the witness that much of what he had said in evidence and in his statement had been filled up with information he had got somewhere else.
He added that although his client's psychiatric issues had had some effect on his memory, he will tell the court what happened that night.
Leigh-Anne Jansen reports that Van Zyl said: "Since this happened, he's had severe psychological issues & can't remember certain things. But he could explain that that two men hijacked them. They shifted the driver to the passenger seat &the other robber sat next to them.
"He and his wife were robbed of their possessions. The driver was dropped. And he, himself, was also put out of the taxi and they drove off. He says, broadly, that is what he would've told you.
"His version was that the driver was taken out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The rest of his version sounds right."
2:55 pm When asked if language had been an issue between the two, Sgt Mellet replied that he and Dewani had understood each other.
2:57 pm The cross examination has finished and the court has been adjourned until tomorrow, when a ballistics expert is expected to to give evidence.
3:05 pm Our live coverage of todays events has now closed.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 22, 2014, 02:58:48 PM
22nd oct 2014
Shrien Dewani trial: Recap updates after court is played video reconstruction of Anni's shooting Oct 22, 2014 14:41 By Jessica Best Shrien Dewani was in tears as a ballistics expert told the court how his wife Anni was shotOn trial: Shrien Dewani denies arranging his wife's murder The shot that killed Anni Dewani was fired from in front of the newlywed, into the back of the taxi where she was sitting, a court has been told today.
The trial of her husband Shrien Dewani heard from Warrant Officer Pieter Engelbrecht - a ballistics expert who said Anni had "moved or leaned" to her right before the fatal bullet was fired.
He added that the gunman's most likely position would have been the front left of the vehicle.
However, he could not say whether the gunman was in the front left seat of the car, and the police were criticised by the defence for being "negligent" during reconstructions of the shooting.
Dewani wept in the dock as some of these video reconstructions were played to the court.
The trial has been adjourned until Monday.
8:49 am Shrien Dewani's trial continues The trial of Shrien Dewani will continue in South Africa this morning, after the court heard yesterday Anni Dewani had been planning to get pregnant.
On Tuesday Francois van Zyl, the lawyer representing British businessman Dewani, told the Western Cape High Court that he had medical notes which showed Anni visited a doctor on November 4 2010 and told him she was trying to conceive.
Mrs Dewani had told the doctor she was not on contraceptives, and the doctor advised her to take tablets to improve her fertility, Mr Van Zyl said.
Mrs Dewani was shot dead as she and her new husband toured a rough Cape Town neighbourhood in November 2010.
Prosecutors say that the bisexual Dewani was leading a secret double life and arranged a staged carjacking-gone-wrong in which his wife would be killed to get him out of his marriage.
Dewani, 34, denies murder and maintains that the couple were the victims of a hijacking.
9:04 am Ballistics expert to give evidence We're due to get underway in the trial any moment.
On the stand today at the Western Cape High Court is a police ballistics experts.
Warrant Officer Pieter Engelbrecht also gave evidence in the trial of Xolile Mngeni - the man who fired the fatal shot that killed Anni Dewani.
He died in prison over the weekend from a brain tumour.
Getty Xolile Mngeni
9:08 am Dewani's stomach problems Dewani's lawyer Francois van Zyl has warned the court that his client has an upset stomach again.
He had similar problems last week.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews Van Zyl says SD has informed him that he has the same problem as the other day. May have to adjourn occasionally.
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 22, 2014
9:13 am Taxi car seat in court The car seat from the taxi is in court.
Englebrecht tells the judge that he has been involved in the case since November 2012 when he was asked to retest exhibits for Mngeni's trial, including the gun, cartridge and bullet.
He found that the gun's trigger was normal.
#DewaniTrial Engelbrecht examined the gun. He says the trigger was "normal". He say enough pressure must be applied to fire the gun. RE
— RAHIMA ESSOP (@rahimaessop) October 22, 2014
9:23 am Direction of fatal shot Engelbrecht's evidence will focus on the trajectory of the bullet that killed Anni, and the position of the person who fired it.
He analysed four pieces of sponge from the seat of the taxi, and found a bullet tract of 15 to 20 degrees, which gave him some idea of the direction of the shot.
The shot was from left to right.
As he gives evidence, the taxi car seat is in front of him.
Engelbrecht analysed the trajectory of the bullet that killed Anni #Dewani. The car seat is in front of the him, looking old & stained
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean) October 22, 2014
9:30 am Shot fired from in front of Anni Engelbrecht then compared these findings with Anni's bullet wounds.
The 28-year-old had one entrance wound and one exit wound on her neck.
There was a hole in the back seat rest.
This, together with her wounds, suggest the bullet was fired from in front of Anni to the back of the car.
9:46 am Anni 'moved to her right' before she was shot Englebrecht tells the court that Anni "moved or leaned to her right" before the shot was fired.
He goes on to say he visited Goodwood Prison on Saturday to measure Mngeni's arms and shoulder width - the day before Mngeni died.
He also took the measurements of the VW Sharan taxi.
9:55 am Using these measurements, he tells the court that at full reach the gunman would be have 40cm short of the back rest of the car.
#DewaniTrial @eNCAnews PE: It was possible for shooter in the front seat to make contact with muzzle end, to person leaning to right...
— Leigh-Anne Jansen (@LA_JANSEN) October 22, 2014
10:18 am The court has seen video footage of tests carried out to see where the shooter may have fired from.
The gunman's most likely position would have been from the front left of the vehicle.
The session adjourns for a short tea break.
10:50 am Where was the gunman when shot was fired? Engelbrecht is now being cross-exmamined.
He is asked if the gunman was in the left front seat of the car.
He replies that he can't place the gunman in the vehicle, but the shot came from the direction of the front left.
Engelbrecht says he still can't tell where the man who shot Anni #Dewani was when he killed her #DewaniTrial
— Ruth Maclean (@ruthmaclean) October 22, 2014
11:20 am Dewani in tears Dewani has been in tears as he listens to the cross-exmination.
Engelbrecht says it would have been easier for the gunman to use his left hand if he had been sitting in the car's front left seat - but he says he did not know this when he gave evidence at Mngeni's trial because he had not measured his arms.
#DewaniTrial Tears are falling from Dewani's eyes as he sits in the dock, listening to cross examination. Not sure what triggered it. RE
— RAHIMA ESSOP (@rahimaessop) October 22, 2014
11:50 am Police 'negligent' when reconstructing shooting Englebrecht has been questioned by Dewani's defence team over using a different car to recreate the shooting of Anni.
The police are accused of being "negligent" in their reconstruction.
The court hears the position of seats in the test vehicle was different to that in the taxi where Anni was shot.
12:28 pm Recap of the morning The court has adjourned for lunch, but Warrant Officer Pieter Engelbrecht is due to continue his evidence after lunch.
He told the court this morning that he believes the shot that killed Anni Dewani was fired from in front of the newlywed, into the the back of the car.
He said Anni had "moved or leaned" to her right before the shot was fired, and that the gunman's most likely position would have been the front left of the vehicle.
However, he could not say whether the gunman was in the front left seat of the car and the police were criticised by the defence for being "negligent" during reconstructions of the shooting.
Getty Shrien Dewani earlier in the trial
1:23 pm Trial resumes after lunch The hearing has started again for the afternoon session, with Engelbrecht continuing to give evidence.
The court hears Dewani's defence team were only handed the witness's expert findings last night.
He tells them he first had access to post mortem photographs in 2012.
2:00 pm 'Not an expert witness' Dewani's defence team is calling Engelbrecht's credibility into question as they continue asking about the measurements he made of the test car and Mngeni's arms.
The witness says that Mngeni's left arm was slightly bent when he measured it, but he did not want to push him as he was in a wheelchair and very ill. The measurements were taken the day before Mngeni's death in hospital last weekend.
Engelbrecht agrees that the defence team's measurements of Mngeni's arm might be correct, and accepts them.
He also tells the court he only made gun measurements two days ago, and not of the actual gun used in the killing but of one similar.
The defence says it is clear he is not an expert witness and "a child could see the difference".
#DewaniTrial Botha:this is a clear indication you are miles away from being an objective expert witness. RE
— RAHIMA ESSOP (@rahimaessop) October 22, 2014
2:36 pm Trial adjourned until Monday The defence has been questioning Engelbrecht on his affidavit from November 2010, in which he discusses examining a firearm - again questioning its accuracy.
The trial has now been adjourned until Monday next week.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 27, 2014, 03:14:08 PM
Court 27th oct 2014 part1
Read 'German Master' Leopold Leisser's statement in full
Gay prostitute Leopold Leisser claimed in his police statement that Shrien Dewani visited him for sex sessions on 3 occasions
7:39 am
The trial of British millionaire Shrien Dewani continues in Cape Town today.
Dewani is accused of plotting the murder of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010.
She was shot dead when their car was ambushed in Cape Town.
Shrien returned to the UK following the tragedy but was extradited to face charges of orchestrating her killing.
The shot that killed Anni Dewani was fired from in front of the newlywed, into the back of the taxi where she was sitting, a court was told last Wednesday.
The trial heard from Warrant Officer Pieter Engelbrecht - a ballistics expert who said Anni had "moved or leaned" to her right before the fatal bullet was fired.
He added that the gunman's most likely position would have been the front left of the vehicle.
However, he could not say whether the gunman was in the front left seat of the car, and the police were criticised by the defence for being "negligent" during reconstructions of the shooting.
Dewani wept in the dock as some of these video reconstructions were played to the court.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy to commit these crimes, and defeating the ends of justice.
He is accused of conspiring with others to stage the hijacking for R15,000.
The trial continues.
7:47 am
'Not an expert witness'
Dewani's defence team last Wednesday called ballistics expert Engelbrecht's credibility into question as they continued asking about the measurements he made of the test car and Mngeni's arms.
The witness says that Mngeni's left arm was slightly bent when he measured it, but he did not want to push him as he was in a wheelchair and very ill. The measurements were taken the day before Mngeni's death in hospital last weekend.
Engelbrecht agrees that the defence team's measurements of Mngeni's arm might be correct, and accepts them.
He also tells the court he only made gun measurements two days ago, and not of the actual gun used in the killing but of one similar.
The defence says it is clear he is not an expert witness and "a child could see the difference".
Getty Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court
Trial: Shrien Dewani is on trial for murder in Cape Town
It is day 9 of the trial of Shrien Dewani.
Ballistics expert Pieter Engelbrecht has resumed his testimony under cross examination from the defence.
Warrant Officer Engelbrecht - last week told the court that Anni had "moved or leaned" to her right before the fatal bullet was fired.
He added that the gunman's most likely position would have been the front left of the vehicle.
However, he could not say whether the gunman was in the front left seat of the car, and the police were criticised by the defence for being "negligent" during reconstructions of the shooting.
8:16 am
Defence shows photo of glove worn by hitman
PA Mziwamadoda Qwabe
Mziwamadoda Qwabe: One of the men convicted of murdering Anni
Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer Pieter Botha is questioning Engelbrecht.
He asks the ballistics expert whether he was aware that 'primer residue tests' were done in the vehicle Anni was shot dead in.
Botha holds up a photo of a yellow glove used by hitman Mziwamadoda Qwabe.
He asks Engelbrecht whether he was aware that the glove had 'tested positive?'
Botha: 'Do you know why this report (of glove) was disclosed to the court in the Mngeni trial?'
PB: "You did not think as the primary ballistics expert to establish result of primer residue test?
PE: "I'm not a primer residue expert."
Botha asks Engelbrecht whether "did you not think it was important to find out?"
Engelbrecht said "it's important."
Botha: "You were aware at the time that Qwabe and Mngeni were accusing each other of being the shooter?"
8:41 am
Stickers used to depict gunshot wounds
Dewani's defence lawyer Pieter Botha is now comparing the crime scene photos to photos taken from a test vehicle.
He asks Engelbrecht whether he put stickers on the body of the model in the test vehicle which depicted the wounds suffered by Anni Dewani?
Engelbrecht replies that he did.
Botha said the stickers on the model's body do not match the placement of the wounds Anni suffered.
Botha: "If you lined up stickers the exit wound would have been closer to the right ear, not right shoulder as it should be."
8:57 am
Botha: 'Defence ballistics expert did shooting reconstruction'
Barcroft The body of a British tourist is removed
Tragic: Anni's body is removed from the car following the shooting in 2010
Defence lawyer Pieter Botha continues to quiz ballistics expert Pieter Engelbrecht about the placement of stickers on the body of a model to depict Anni Dewani's gunshot wounds.
Engelbrecht tells the court he was trying to align the wounds in a straight line, but Botha said the exit wounds would have been in a different position.
He asks Engelbrecht what Anni's height was. Engelbrecht gets her height slightly wrong.
Botha says it is important to put sticker at "exact height."
He said the defence got a ballistics expert to do a reconstruction of shooting.
Botha said the expert positioned the gun to make contact with the model's left hand.
9:03 am
Anni 'was planning to get pregnant'
Shekhar Bhatia Shrien and Anni Dewani
Tragic: Shrien and Anni Dewani. The couple were on honeymoon in South Africa when Anni was shot
The court heard last week that Anni Dewani had spoken to a doctor about planning to get pregnant before she set off for the tragic honeymoon which saw her brutally shot dead.
Francois van Zyl, the lawyer representing British businessman Shrien Dewani, told the Western Cape High Court that he had medical notes that showed she visited the doctor on November 4 2010 and told him she was trying to conceive.
Mrs Dewani was murdered as she and her new husband toured a rough Cape Town neighbourhood in November 2010.
9:58 am
Prosecution calls gay German hooker to the stand
The prosecution has called gay prostitute Leopald Leisser to the stand.
However, Judge Jeanette Traverso is unconvinced that his evidence is relevant to the case.
She has told the prosecution to prepare a written statement.
Shrien confessed to sleeping with male prostitutes and being a closet bisexual at the beginning of his murder trial.
Judge Traverso told prosecutor Adrian Mopp: "Mr Mopp, you cannot tell me it must be relevant, you must tell me WHY it is relevant."
Leisser made a brief appearance in the witness box.
10:04 am
Judge 'not interested in prosecution proving motive'
Millionaire Shrien Dewani Marriage: Shrien with his wife Anni, 28. She was murdered as the couple honeymooned in South Africa
Under South African law a judge is not interested in the prosecution proving motive.
They must instead provide factual evidence to prove the guilt or innocence of a defendant.
Prosecutors say that the bisexual entrepreneur Shrien Dewani from Westbury-on-Trym, near Bristol, was leading a secret double life and arranged a staged carjacking-gone-wrong in which his wife Anni would be killed to get him out of his marriage.
Anni was shot dead while the couple honeymooned in South Africa in 2010.
10:24 am
Killer taxi driver Zola Tongo to appear as witness
Zola Tongo (pic: Pixel) Adjournment: Murderer Zola Tongo is being fetched from prison to give evidence in court
Shrien Dewani is accused of meeting Leopold Leisser - nicknamed the 'German Master' - on three occasions before he married Anni Dewani.
Sadomasochist Leisser told police in 2011 that Dewani, 31, told him he would be “disowned” by his family if he broke off his engagement with Anni.
His evidence is contained in a statement he gave to the Metropolitan Police
Court has been adjourned until after lunch while the next witness, Zola Tongo is fetched from prison.
Taxi driver Tongo was sentenced to 18 years in prison in December 2010 for his part in Anni's murder.
The trial is due to resume at 12.15 UK time.
10:50 am
Hitman Qwabe said Tongo arranged the murder
Gunman: Qwabe (left), Dewani (top right) and Anni
Hitman Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who is serving 25 years for his part in killing Anni, claimed taxi driver Zola Tongo told him "Somebody has to be killed” while arranging the murder.
Giving evidence as a witness earlier this month, Qwabe was brought from his cell to point the finger at Dewani, 34, who denies five charges, including kidnapping and murdering his wife.
The 29-year-old said he was brought into a plot to stage a car jacking of the vehicle Anni and her husband would be travelling in by Tongo, who was an acquaintance.
Dewani arrived in South Africa after a three and a half year extradition battle during which he was said to be suffering severe trauma.
11:05 am
Gay prostitute: 'Dewani said he was into master-slave fetish"
Dewani and the German Master Accused: 'German Master' Leopold Leisser, (right) alleged that Dewani used his services
In a statement dated January 17, 2011, gay prostitute Leopold Leisser said he met Shrien Dewani on the website Gaydar.co.uk, where he advertised his escort services.
He said Dewani's profile on the site was 'Asiansubguy.'
Leisser said Dewani's profile included a photo of himself wearing a rubber mask.
He said they first met on September 18th 2009 - and that Dewani had been "quite into the fetish scene around master/slave play and submission."
Before they met Leisser claims he sent a form to Dewani to fill out stating his sexual preferences and experience.
He said Dewani had replied that he had visited several fetish clubs.
11:21 am
Dewani 'asked hooker if he could stay overnight'
Getty Dewani trial
Allegations: Leisser claims Dewani arrived at his home with rubber shorts and a rubber vest
Gay prostitute, the 'German Master,' said in his police statement that Shrien Dewani had asked him if he could stay overnight as he was travelling up to Birmingham.
Leisser claims that at their first meeting, Dewani arrived 'casually dressed' but with a pair of rubber shorts and a rubber vest and a pair of "20 hole boots."
In his statement, Leisser said: "[Dewani] got changed into the clothes and we had a session.
"We went to bed, slept and he left the next morning.
"He paid me £360 for the session and he made that payment in cash."
Leisser said in his statement that he doesn't usually let clients sleep over, but that Dewani was "very friendly," and he liked him.
11:32 am
Prostitute: 'Dewani's nipples were bleeding but he was turned on by the pain'
Payment: Leisser claims Dewani (pictured) paid him £400 for their second alleged session
In his police statement gay prostitute Leopold Leisser said he found Shrien Dewani to be charming and "quite educated" during their first alleged meeting.
He claimed they had a second meeting on February 4, 2010.
Leisser said that when Dewani took off his shirt he could see that his nipples were bleeding.
"I didn't think it appropriate that we have the session as I was afraid to touch him, but Dewani was very keen to continue, so we did," Leisser said in his statement.
"I stopped a few times during the session as the nipples were bleeding so badly."
Leisser claims he asked Dewani whether he should stop, but that the millionaire businessman "but he insisted that I continue as he got extremely turned on by the pain."
He said Dewani stayed over at his place again that night - paying £400 for the session.
11:46 am
'Dewani asked me to call him a P*ki during no-limits sex session'
Millionaire Shrien Dewani Marriage: Shrien with his wife Anni, 28. She was murdered as the couple honeymooned in South Africa
In his police statement, gay prostitute Leopold Leisser claims he and Shrien Dewani met for a third time on April 17, 2010.
He alleged that the pair had a meeting at the Presidential Kensington Apartments in central London.
Leisser describes the apartment the pair allegedly met in, in detail, and said Dewani looked as though he had put on a little weight since he last saw him.
He said Dewani had asked him for a no-limits sex session this time.
In his statement, Leisser said: "Dewani stated that he really trusted me, and that he wanted to do other things, like having his face slapped, and being humiliated and degraded in general - in particular he asked me to call him P*ki during the session."
Leisser said he did not feel comfortable saying P*ki, and only used the word on two or three occasions.
11:54 am
Male escort: 'Dewani rubbed cocaine on his nipples'
Honeymoon: Shrien and Anni Dewani (left) and the car Anni was shot dead in, (right)
Male prostitute Leopold Leisser claimed in his police statement that Shrien Dewani had taken cocaine and ketamine during their sex session.
He said the British millionaire businessman rubbed cocaine into his nipples.
In his statement, Leisser said he made Dewani move to the bathroom where he got him to "urinate into a mug."
He said Dewani told him to take a photo of him doing this - which the escort said he has since handed to police.
Leisser claims that when he told Dewani to play "the active part" and have sex with him, he could not maintain an erection.
12:07 pm
'Dewani told me he wanted out of engagement to Anni'
Rex Features Shrien Dewani
Statement: Leisser claims Dewani (centre) told him his family would 'disown' him if he tried to break his engagement to Anni
Gay German prostitute, Leopold Leisser, said in his police statement that Shrien Dewani had told him he wanted to get out of his engagement to Anni.
Leisser claims Dewani said, however, that his family would disown him if he tried to get out of it.
"He said that she [Anni] was a nice, lovely girl, and that he liked her, but that he could not break out of it [their engagement] in any way because he would be disowned by his family," Leisser said in his statement.
"He told me that he had met another guy previously, that he could have fallen for him and that he came close to telling his family about it, but didn't."
He said he slept over at the apartments with Dewani, but that the businessman was "grumpy and rude" the following morning. Leisser claims he paid him £400 for the session.
The prostitute said that was the last time he saw Dewani in person.
12:19 pm
Gay escort: 'When I saw Dewani on TV I thought 'poor bloke' '
Dewani and the German Master Accused: 'German Master' Leopold Leisser, (left) alleged that Dewani used his services
Gay prostitute Leopold Leisser says that the next time he saw Shrien Dewani following their final sex session was on the TV news following Anni's murder.
Leisser said in his police statement: "My first reaction to news that his wife had been murdered while on honeymoon was 'owe my god, you poor bloke.'
However, Leisser said that when he heard the allegation that Dewani had murdered Anni, he recalled an alleged conversation they had during their final meeting in which he claims the businessman said he wanted out of the engagement.
Leisser said that he contacted the police, but sold his story to a British newspaper before he was interviewed face-to-face by a detective from New Scotland Yard.
The escort said he had handed over evidence of alleged contact he had, had with Dewani, included mobile phone records and a photograph he claims he took of Dewani.
cont.......................................
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 27, 2014, 03:28:26 PM
27 oct part 2
12:33 pm Taxi driver: 'I met Shrien and Anni Dewani at airport'
Trial: Murderer Zola Tongo was fetched from prison to give evidence in court
Killer taxi driver Zola Tongo says Shrien Dewani first approached him at the airport in Cape Town.
He said the businessman was alone when he approached him. "He was pushing a trolley with some luggage."
Tongo said Dewani told him he needed to go to the Cape Grace hotel in town.
"I said the taxis will charge a lot of money but I'll ask for a lower price. Dewani told him he wasn't alone, he was with his wife."
Tongo said he spoke to the Dewani's about their hotel and the beauty of Cape Town.
12:40 pm
Tongo: 'Dewani said he had a job for me'
Zola Tongo says British businessman Shrien Dewani told him he had a job for him.
Tongo said Dewani told him to wait in their hotel's car park.
He said Dewani came back and got into his car.
Tongo said: "He [Dewani] said there is a job that could grow my business.
"He said my business will grow because he is from overseas and can refer others to me. I was happy."
12:55 pm
Tongo: 'Dewani told me he wanted someone killed'
Getty Dewani trial
Allegations: Tongo claims Dewani (pictured) approached him outside the airport in Cape Town
Zola Tongo told the court that Shrien Dewani had his phone number, and that he had his.
He said the pair had discussed in detail about payment for the job.
He claimed Dewani said he wanted someone killed. "A business partner. A woman."
Tongo said Dewani said the woman would be arriving in Cape Town the following day.
1:15 pm
Tongo: 'Dewani wanted someone taken out of sight'
PA CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo on the phone to Zola Tongo, as the the BBC programme investigates the death of 28-year-old Anni Dewani
Footage: CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo allegedly on the phone to Zola Tongo
Convicted murderer Zola Tongo, said he told hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo that somebody wanted a person due to arrive in Cape Town 'taken out of sight'.
Tongo told the court that he later had a discussion with Shrien Dewani.
"He wanted to make sure whether I found the people we were talking about," said Tongo.
"He asked if I'm aware if there's any place he can change Dollars.I said, there's one where I normally change mine. I can't remember the name but I know where it is. In town"
1:25 pm
Tongo: 'Dewani told me he wanted car hijacked'
Barcroft The body of a British tourist is removed
Tragic: Anni Dewani's body is removed from the car following the shooting
Zola Tongo said that Shrien Dewani discussed how he wanted the 'job' done when they arrived at his hotel.
Tongo said Dewani wanted "a car to be hijacked."
The former taxi driver - who has been convicted of murder for his role in the shooting - said Dewani told him he wanted to ensure the job was done.
Tongo said that when Anni Dewani was in the shower, Shrien Dewani went to exchange money.
He said that one of the employees in the money exchange store said it was a lot of cash being changed.
1:39 pm
Recap on today's events so far
Trial: Anni and Shrien Dewani (left) were on honeymoon when she was shot dead
To recap on today's events so far.
It is day 9 of the trial of Shrien Dewani.
By far the biggest news from today's hearing was the revelation of a police statement given by gay prostitute Leopold Leisser.
In the statement Leisser, who went by the name the 'German Master,' said he met Dewani for sex on three ocassions.
He said Dewani was into 'master/slave' fetish, and wanted to be slapped and called a 'P*ki' on one occasion.
Leisser said Dewani preferred to be submissive, and that when he told the businessman to take the lead, he failed to maintain an erection.
Leisser said that during their final session, Dewani had told him he wanted to get out of his engagement to Anni Dewani, but that his family would 'disown' him if he tried to do so.
Earlier this morning, ballistics expert Pieter Engelbrecht resumed his testimony under cross examination from the defence.
Warrant Officer Engelbrecht - last week told the court that Anni had "moved or leaned" to her right before the fatal bullet was fired.
Prosecutor Pieter Botha questioned Engelbrecht's evidence this morning. He asked him whether he put stickers on the body of the model in the test vehicle which depicted the wounds suffered by Anni Dewani.
Botha said the stickers on the model's body do not match the placement of the wounds Anni suffered.
Stay with us for live updates from the trial.
1:56 pm
Tongo: 'I said the gentleman wants his business partner killed'
Shooting: Shrien Dewani is on trial accused of murdering wife Anni Dewani (pictured)
Zola Tongo tells the court he went to meet Mziwamadoda Qwabe - who was later convicted of Anni Dewani's murder.
Tongo said that when he met up with Qwabe he said he told him Shrien Dewani "wants his business partner to be killed."
"That business partner was going to arrive that day. He wants it to be a hijacking. They must drop me, then drop him, and kill her," Tongo said he told Qwabe.
2:30 pm
Tongo has told the court that he was told the request would not be a problem and that the group would drive around town and that one of them was going to look for his gun in the township.
He said : "They said they'd be able to do the job".
2:36 pm
Tongo tells the court that he then went home with his girlfriend but soon received calls from Dewani asking where he was as he was due to pick them up for a night out.
The driver then made his way to the hotel and took the couple on a night out. Tongo has told the court that the couple was "laughing" - unlike the first time he saw them both and Anni did not speak.
2:39 pm
The court has now adjourned and Anni's family have left court, but just before proceedings were halted, Tongo told how Dewani had looked at him with "big eyes", like he was upset.
2:49 pm
This blog is now closed as the court has adjourned for the day.
To recap on the day's events:
To recap on today's events so far.
It is day 9 of the trial of Shrien Dewani.
By far the biggest news from today's hearing was the revelation of a police statement given by gay prostitute Leopold Leisser.
In the statement Leisser, who went by the name the 'German Master,' said he met Dewani for sex on three ocassions.
He said Dewani was into 'master/slave' fetish, and wanted to be slapped and called a 'P*ki' on one occasion.
Leisser said Dewani preferred to be submissive, and that when he told the businessman to take the lead, he failed to maintain an erection.
Leisser said that during their final session, Dewani had told him he wanted to get out of his engagement to Anni Dewani, but that his family would 'disown' him if he tried to do so.
Earlier this morning, ballistics expert Pieter Engelbrecht resumed his testimony under cross examination from the defence.
Warrant Officer Engelbrecht - last week told the court that Anni had "moved or leaned" to her right before the fatal bullet was fired.
Prosecutor Pieter Botha questioned Engelbrecht's evidence this morning. He asked him whether he put stickers on the body of the model in the test vehicle which depicted the wounds suffered by Anni Dewani.
Botha said the stickers on the model's body do not match the placement of the wounds Anni suffered.
Killer taxi driver Zola Tongo this afternoon told how Shrien Dewani first approached him at the airport in Cape Town.
The driver claims Dewani later told him he had a job for him, that would grow his business. The two swapped phone numbers and it was in one call that the British businessman is alleged to have said he wanted "a business partner. A woman" killed.
The former taxi driver - who has been convicted of murder for his role in the shooting - said Dewani told him he wanted to ensure the job was done.
Tongo said that when Anni Dewani was in the shower, Shrien Dewani went to exchange money.
Zola Tongo told the court he went to meet Mziwamadoda Qwabe - who was later convicted of Anni Dewani's murder and the pair discussed how the killing of the "business partner" would take place.
"That business partner was going to arrive that day. He wants it to be a hijacking. They must drop me, then drop him, and kill her," Tongo said he told Qwabe.
Just before the court adjourned for the day, Tongo said he was told the request would not be a problem, and that "they'd be able to do the job".
Come back here tomorrow for further live updates from the trial.
Come back here tomorrow for further live updates from the trial.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 28, 2014, 11:53:42 PM
Shrien Dewani trial: Recap of updates from court as honeymoon murder case continues in Cape Town Oct 28, 2014 14:27 By Alex Wellman
The British millionaire is accused of plotting the murder of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010
8:38 am Judge Jeanette Traverso tells the defence that it was on record Mr Dewani felt conflicted, and asks why the defence feel it is important for Mr Leisser to repeat that. The defence is claiming that the court previously argued and dismissed evidence from 2009, but this new evidence from Mr Leisser happened months later. Dewani's defence lawyer Pieter Botha argues that any contact his client had with Mr Leisser cannot prove a motive and was only an irrelevant fact. Judge Traverso has now left the court to consider arguments. 8:48 am Judge Traverso is back in court having considered the arguments, but she is not allowing certain evidence of gay escort Leopold Leisser. She says she will give her reasons in her judgement. Despite this, the state has recalled Mr Leisser to the stand where he is now being questioned on aspects other than Dewani's sexuality. 8:56 am Taking the witness stand, German national Mr Leisser tells the court how he noticed the accused was on the homosexual dating website Gaydar while he was organising his wedding. This left the witness "surprised". Mr Leisser also tells the court how in December 2010, he noticed Dewani had deleted his Gaydar account, so he sent him a text message. The accused allegedly said he was busy and would be in touch. 8:59 am For those who are interested, here is Mr Leisser's statement in full - much of which has been deemed irrelevant by the judge in the case. Mr Leisser claimed in his police statement that Shrien Dewani visited him for sex sessions on 3 occasions. VIEW GALLERY 9:06 am Mr Leisser said he first heard about the death of Anni Dewani and his former client had been accused of murder on CNN breaking news. It was at this point, he claims, he made contact with British police to let them know about the relationship between him and the accused. He said he gave officers documents relating to his contact with Shrien, but also admits he was contacted by the media and paid £18,000 for stories. And with that, Mr Leisser has stepped down and left the court - which has adjourned for 15 minutes. Taxi driver Zloa Tongo, who started giving evidence yesterday, is due up again next. 9:25 am Convicted murderer Zola Tongo due to take stand Trial: Murderer Zola Tongo was fetched from prison to give evidence in court Yesterday, Tongo spoke about how Shrien told him he wanted someone killed: "A business partner. A woman." The convicted murderer said he told hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo that somebody wanted a person due to arrive in Cape Town 'taken out of sight'. Under cross examination yesterday, the taxi driver said he later had a conversation with the accused which centred around the right sort of people. Tongo said: "He wanted to make sure whether I found the people we were talking about." 9:44 am CCTV footage of tragic Anni played in court The court is now viewing a series of CCTV images showing both murdered Anni and her accused husband. The first clip shows Tongo's car arriving at the Cape Grace hotel from the airport on the first day of their honeymoon. He is asked by Judge Traverso if he knew at that point, that the woman was Shrien's wife Anni, and responds: "Yes, correct." Footage shows Anni walking into the hotel first wearing jeans and a black top. Tongo confirms: "It is the wife of the gentleman." 9:53 am Tongo: 'Dewani came into my car to discuss what was to be done' Barcroft Watching: Shrien Dewani waits in the dock CCTV then shows Shiren and Anni talking to someone in the hotel, before the accused is seen walking out of the building. Tongo confirms the man pictured is Dewani and claims he came up to his car and got in - at which point discussions were held about "what was to be done". The convicted murderer tells the court the discussion "took a long time". The CCTV footage then shows Dewani leaving the vehicle and Tongo driving away. Judge Traverso asks: "Am I correct that you left immediately after Mr Dewani left your vehicle?" Tongo replies: "Correct." 10:04 am Tongo went to see 'middle-man' after chatting with Dewani PA Footage: CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo allegedly on the phone to Zola Tongo on the BBC's Panorama programme Convicted murderer Zola Tongo, said that following the discussion with Dewani, he then drove to meet so-called middle-man Monde Mbolombo at the Protea Hotel in Century City where he worked as a porter. He said: "I knew him for quite some time, from when he was still a porter. It wasn't a big relationship, but we assisted each other." Tongo tells how the pair would help each other out. Mbolomobo would send Tongo people wanting to go on tours and Tongo in return would give the porter a cut of the money received. 10:15 am Tongo: 'Anni looked different on Saturday' Marriage: Shrien with his wife Anni, 28. She was murdered as the couple honeymooned in South Africa Tongo tells the court he only spoke to Anni on three occasions - when he first picked them up from the airport on Friday, Saturday morning to get foreign currency exchange and Saturday evening on the way to a restaurant. There are reports of "murmuring" in court after Tongo tells how he did not think it was the same woman when he picked the couple up on Saturday. He tells how he thought the woman he picked up on Saturday was "a different one". He says of the woman: "her condition was not the same", remarking how on Friday she was dressed casually. Upon seeing the woman with Shiren on Saturday, he thought she was his business partner. 10:32 am Tongo: 'Dewani told me to make sure everything is going well' PA Pictured: Shrien Dewani and Zola Tongo were caught on CCTV together Tongo tells the court how on the night of the killing he took the couple to a restaurant of his choosing in Somerset West. He claims that as he walked with Shrien up to the restaurant, the accused was asking him "what happened" and let the driver know that he must make sure everything is going well. With Anni lagging behind, Tongo says he took the couple into the restaurant and then left to fill the car with petrol, at which point he called the contract killers, who told him they could not come to Somerset West as it was too "wet" - meaning it had too many police around. 10:39 am Tongo: 'My knees went weak as we drove to the killers' Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru, who is one of the main prosecution witnesses The court hears how Tongo says he contacted Shrien shortly after speaking to the men, letting him know they were unable to come to Somerset and would now "wait" until Gugulethu. He then tells how he went back to pick the couple up after their meal, and as Anni got in the car she started talking about how the food was not very good. It was at this point they began driving to Gugulethu and Tongo says his knees "became weak". He tells the court Shrien was looking at him: "through the mirror. He was staring with his eyes wide open as if he could see I don't want to get into Gugulethu." 10:58 am Tongo reveals moment the killers 'carjacked' him Gunman: Qwabe (left), Dewani (top right) and Anni The court is now hearing the dramatic moment Tongo drove the couple to the spot he had agreed with killers Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda 'Spra' Qwabe. The driver has told how when they got to Gugulethu he saw the two men at the agreed point and they instantly launched themselves at the car. One of the men jumped onto the bonnet while the other pointed a gun at Tongo. The driver said: "I was forced to the back. One of them was driving. The other one pointed with firearms. There was more than one firearm. Xolile and Spra had a firearm. Mngeni had 9mm, Spra had a revolver." Anni was on the right-hand side, while Shiren was in the middle and Tongo on the left. All three were ordered to hand over their mobile phones and Anni started crying. Tongo tells the court that Shrien then started trying to console Anni as the car drove off. Just a short distance later, as agreed, Tongo was put out of the car first. Tongo tells the court: "At the stop sign, as decided, I was told to leave the car and the gentleman would be next to get out." And with that, the court has adjourned for lunch. It is due to start again at 12pm UK time. 12:14 pm Court resumes with killer driver Tongo on the stand Getty Trial: Shrien Dewani is on trial for murder in Cape Town And we're back in court, with convicted murderer Zola Tongo on the stand. Just before the court adjourned for lunch, the taxi driver was recounting the moment he was 'carjacked' with Anni and Shrien Dewani in the back seat. Before the break, he told how two men had stopped the car and forced him into the backseat with the newlyweds. The gunmen then demanded the three of them hand over their mobile phones, wallets and watches. Tongo told how Anni was in tears at this point, with Shiren trying to comfort her, before the carjackers opened the car door a little while down the road and 'forced' the driver out at a previously agreed location. To a packed courtroom, Tongo is now talking about what he did after he was pushed out of the car, and it sped off with the Dewanis in the back. He said: "I met a young man and asked for assistance because my car had been taken." 12:26 pm Tongo: 'I signed police document but it was lies' Speaking through a translator, Tongo told the court that after initially asking one man for help, he spoke to another man at a nearby barracks who told the driver to ask for a police officer inside. Soon after a female friend of Tongo's was called and then took him to a police station where he formally reported what had happened. The driver tells the court he was then grilled by two different officers on who the people carjacked were, but he claimed not to remember their names. He told the officers he knew which hotel they were staying at, at which point he signed a document "which was lies" and drove with police to the hotel. 12:34 pm Tongo: 'Shrien asked me if I was alright' Shekhar Bhatia Tragic: Shrien and Anni Dewani. The couple were on honeymoon in South Africa when Anni was shot The driver has told the court how he went with police to the hotel where the Dewani's were staying. As they arrived, other officers were already there and Tongo was brought in and questioned again. He tells the court he thinks it was around midnight now and that he stayed the night at the hotel. To a hushed courtroom, Tongo claims millionaire Shrien came up to him while he was there. He said: "Mr Dewani approached me while I was sitting down. He wanted to know if I'm alright." While giving evidence, the convicted criminal said that the Brit kept coming up to him every now and then, asking if he was alright, did he hear anything and "did this really take place?" 12:43 pm 'Smiling' Dewani spotted on CCTV camera morning after The court is now being shown CCTV from the morning after the carjacking inside the hotel. Tongo is sitting down as Dewani comes up to him, looks over his shoulder and begins talking to the driver. Those in court say it looks like the Brit has a phone in his hand as he talks to Tongo. The footage shows a cleaner appear, at which point Dewani speaks to them. Tongo tells the court Dewani asked the cleaner to give them some space. Leigh-Anne Jansen, a South African reporter, claims that the CCTV footage then shows the accused man "smiling". 1:30 pm Tongo: 'Shrien wanted to know if the job had been done' Killed: Tragic Anni Dewani was shot dead Tongo claims that during the conversation pictured on CCTV, Shrien asked him if the men "did what they were supposed to" or if he had heard anything. The CCTV footage has now ended, but Tongo claims he met with Shrien later in the week at the hotel, before the taxi driver was taken to the carjacking spot by police. He claims he later spoke to Dewani on the phone and was told the British millionaire said he would pay him the outstanding money. According to Tongo, Dewani arranged for them to meet at the hotel's waterfront bridge, but when the driver arrived the accused was not there. After calling him, Dewani said he could not come out as there were too many police officers and journalists. Tongo claims he then made his way inside the hotel where he spotted Shrien in a passageway. The driver tells the court, the Brit signalled for him to follow him into a room where he then gave him an envelope in a plastic bag. 1:45 pm Tongo: 'I was angry with the amount of cash' Getty Police: Officers were camped outside the hotel The driver tells the court that he then counted the money but realised there was 'only' ZAR1,000 (£57). Speaking through an interpreter, he tells the court the money was paid in ZAR100 notes, but that he went looking for Shrien but did not see again and left the hotel. The court is now playing CCTV footage from this encounter, which happened three days after Anni died. The footage shows Tongo waiting on the bridge, before going inside and meeting Dewani. The footage ends with Tongo leaving the hotel. 1:58 pm Tongo: 'I decided to tell the truth as it would come out in the end' Killer taxi driver Zola Tongo has told the court that he finally decided to come clean about his involvement in the planning and execution of the carjacking and murder to give himself "peace of mind". Following the arrests of Mziwamadoda and Xolile, the driver said he went to police and made a new, true statement about the night. He tell the court: "I told them the truth to give me peace of mind. I knew the truth would come out." He admits to the judge that he signed a plea agreement with the state in December 2010, and later received an 18-year sentence for his role. The court has now adjourned for the day. 2:27 pm The court has adjourned for the day This blog is now closed as the court has adjourned for the day. To recap on the day's events: The taxi driver who was convicted over the murder of Anni Dewani has been giving evidence today, including the moment he was 'carjacked' by two men. Zola Tongo, speaking through an interpreter, told how he only met the tragic newlywed three times, the first time when he picked her and husband Shrien from the airport. Speaking to a hushed court, he told how on the day the murder happened, he picked the couple up from their plush hotel and drove them to a restaurant. He claims Shrien then asked he what was happening, before he left them to eat and called his accomplices. Tongo told the court he was told by Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda 'Spra' Qwabe, the duo were unable to "do the job" where the restaurant was as there were too many police officers, so they agreed to do it later at a place called Gugulethu. Speaking to Judge Jeanette Traverso, Tongo said then then picked up the couple from their meal, at which point they set off on their fatal journey. While driving to the agreed spot, Tongo told the court his "knees went weak" and claimed millionaire businessman Dewani stared blankly at him in the rearview mirror. Telling of the moment the carjacking took place, Tongo said he turned into Gugulethu and saw his accomplices, who then pulled out a gun and forced him into the back seat. Demanding all three hand over their phones and other valuables, Tongo said terrified Anni began crying, while Shrien attempted to console her. He claims he was then 'forced' out of the car a short distance up the road, at which point he sought help to go and tell police what had happened. CCTV was later shown to the court that apparently showed Shiren talking to Tongo at the hotel the morning after the carjacking. Just before the court adjourned for the day, Tongo said he was paid ZAR1,000 by Dewani at the hotel, but he later admitted his role to give himself "peace of mind" and because the truth "would come out in the end".
Come back here tomorrow for further live updates from the trial.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 29, 2014, 07:23:18 PM
part 1
Shrien Dewani trial: Recap updates from court as honeymoon murder case continues in Cape Town Oct 29, 2014 14:02
By Sam Rkaina
8:29 am Tongo back on the stand Taxi driver Zola Tongo has continued giving evidence this morning. Prosecutor Shareen Riley: "When did you realise it was Mrs. Dewani that was killed?" Tongo: "Sunday morning." Riley: "How did you get this info?" Tongo: "From the detectives." Riley: "Did Mr Dewani ever discuss a helicopter trip, he wanted you to arrange?" Tongo: "No." 8:31 am Tongo phone records Prosector Riley has handed in a list of 220 admissions, and Tongo's phone records. Tongo confirms that Dewani's UK number, on record, is the one Dewani used to call him. The prosecution is going through Tongo's phone and texts log. 8:32 am CCTV footage from restaurant Riley is presenting CCTV footage from the Surfside restaurant. Tongo confirms that the footage is taken in Strand and that he, Dewani and Anni are seen. Tongo walks in front, followed by Shrien. Anni walks a couple of steps behind him. The trio are seen entering the mall, which houses the Surfside restaurant. Anni is seen entering a distance behind Shrien and Tongo. Her arms are folded. 8:35 am The money Riley: "Do you remember if there were any discussions about money?" Tongo: "That's correct. Those young men wanted to know where the money would be. I asked Mr Dewani. "He said he put it in the pouch behind the seat. The discussion happened telephonically." Riley: "What was Monde's role?" Tongo: "Monde connected me to the young men who I didn't know." 8:37 am Another clip played Tongo: "I said he can't demand money from me and that he should ask those men because I was also waiting for my money. "Monde was the only person I spoke to after the incident. I never spoke to Qwabe or Mngeni." Riley plays another clip. Tongo's vehicle is seen entering the parking lot of the Cape Grace on the evening of the 13th of November Tongo parks. It's a windy night. Shrien is seen in the foyer of the hotel. Anni joins. Tongo says he parked there, to get rid of the rubbish in his vehicle. 8:42 am Anni poses for pictures with Shrien Anni and Shrien are seen waiting in the foyer. Shrien takes a photo of Anni. She poses a few times. She checks them and smiles at the people around her. Anni and Shrien leave the foyer and head outside. Anni is dressed in a black mini dress, black and silver heels. 8:44 am 'What I did was wrong' Riley: "You indicated yesterday, on 20/11, when you handed yourself over to police, you were taken to Bellville South. "You made a statement to police. Was that a written or an oral statement?" Tongo: "Written." Riley: "Why did you decide to come clean and plead guilty?" Tongo: "1. What I did was wrong 2. I was a fool 3. I was mislead." Shrien shakes his head in disbelief. 8:46 am Cross examination Defence lawyer Van Zyl has now begun cross examination of Tongo. Van Zyl: "You say you made a written statement which you signed on 20/11. "It's common cause that your attorney and you attended the office of Cpt. Hendrickse and Barkhuizen. "Is that the day you made your statement?" Tongo: "Correct, if my memory serves me well." 8:48 am Plea bargain Van Zyl: "So there was no mention of a plea bargain and the conditions, when you made that statement?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Then, did you make a further statement for the plea bargain and conditions?" Tongo: "I don't remember." 8:54 am 'Your answers don't make sense' Van Zyl reads the statement to the court. In it, Tongo mentions 'in terms of plea agreement' and testifying for the state. Van Zyl: "You earlier answer doesn't indicate this." Tongo: "It could be like that." Van Zyl: "We didn't get that statement (20/11). If it was made, we would've got it. Either there's another one or it's this one." Tongo: "There's no other such statement that I can remember." 8:58 am Moonlighting driver Van Zyl: "You were employed by Christo van Vuuren at Platinum Escapes. "They cater for VIP clients and international clients. "You acted as tour guide and chauffeur to their clients... you weren't just a taxi driver. You were more than that. "You decided then, to start your own company, basically in competition with your employer?" Tongo: "Not in competition." Van Zyl: "So you were moonlighting?" Tongo: "If you put it like that." 9:00 am Court adjourns to deal with laughter Tongo replies: "Are you asking me or telling me?" This prompts laughter from the gallery. The case has been adjourned to deal with whoever was making the noise, with police escorting them outside. 9:21 am Proceedings resume And after that short unexpected break, court has resumed. Van Zyl: "Mr. Tongo, to repeat the question. Did you try to sell your services to clients to usher them around CPT?" Tongo: "That's correct." Van Zyl: "Isn't that what you also tried to do with Mr. Dewani and the deceased?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "What would you tell them?" Tongo: "The beauty of CPT and important things they can do in CPT." VZ: "Like what?" Tongo: "Table Mountain, wine tasting, game drives, Cape Point. Anything that I can recall." 9:23 am Tourism service Tongo: "I offered to drive for them." Van Zyl: "And to take them there." Tongo: "If they wanted to go to those places." Van Zyl: "Is that what you did with the Dewanis?" Tongo: "That's correct." Van Zyl: "Your employer at Platinum Escapes, what did he call you?" Tongo: "Robert." Van Zyl: "And your friend, Monde?" Tongo: "Zola." VZ: "You said you don't like the name and will never introduce yourself as Robert." Tongo: "Correct." 9:25 am Counter to statement Van Zyl: "That is to counter the accused's statement in his plea explanation that you introduced yourself as Robert." Tongo: "I never introduced myself to him as Robert." VZ: "You don't use that name." Tongo: "Christo (employer) is the only person who calls me Robert and he knows I don't like it." 9:29 am Tongo accused of lying Van Zyl: "He (Monde) had you on his list of contacts as Robert and not Zola. Does that surprise you?." Tongo: "It surprises me, but he knew my middle name was Zola. "According to me, he called me Zola. It's up to him to save my name as Zola." Van Zyl: "That puts a lie to your statement that you will never introduced yourself as Robert." Tongo: "If that makes you feel better, to say I'm a liar." Van Zyl: "Is that your final answer?" Tongo: "If that makes you feel good." 9:31 am Tongo's plea agreement Tongo is being shown his plea agreement and confirms its his. Van Zyl: "The offences to which you pleaded guilty, carry a minimum sentence of life in prison. Was that explained to you?" Tongo: "Yes." 9:35 am 18 year sentence Van Zyl: "In your plea agreement, reasons given for the minimum sentence not to apply-you will give your full co-operation. "If you were given a life sentence, are you aware that you will only be eligible for parole after 25 years?" Tonga: "Yes." VZ: "You were sentenced to 18 years. How long before you are eligible for parole?" 9:37 am Rumour of changed evidence Van Zyl: "If you should testify for the state & you should deviate from statements made, will that impact your parole?" Tongo: "No." Van Zyl: "I see. So, if you should not give evidence in line with statements you've made. You are seriously telling the court that that will have no impact on your parole?" Tongo: "Everything depends on my behavior there in prison." 9:39 am Pushed for answer on rumours Van Zyl: "In 2011, did Mr. Hendrickse and your attorney visit you?" Tongo: "Mr. Hendrickse and my attorney visited me but I don't remember when." Van Zyl: "Did they discuss such a rumour with you? Yes or no?" Tongo: "I repeat myself, I don't have anything to do or rumours don't have anything to do with me. Or people who do so." 9:42 am Several visits Van Zyl: "So we can take it, such a rumour was not discussed with you." Tongo: "I'm hearing it for the first time. "They wanted to know about the life I'm living in custody, bearing in mind that life in prison is hard. They didn't only come once. They came on several occasions, as far as I can remember." 9:45 am Prison visit Van Zyl: "As far as I remember, there was only one visit where the two of them came together, in June 2011." Tongo: "They did come to pay me a visit." Van Zyl: "I understand there's A or B wing." Tongo: "When you arrive, you're a B wing. But after six months, if you're well behaved etc, you get a A." Van Zyl: "No I'm not talking about whether you get an A or B. I'm taking about A or B flank." Tongo: "I was at A flank." Van Zyl: "With a TV?" Tongo: "There was no TV." 9:52 am November 2010 Van Zyl is now pushing Tongo on whether he had a television in prison. Tongo insist he only had one at the end of the year. Van Zyl is now returning to the events of November 2010. "You said you were standing with Tavuks, who was having a cigarette," he says. 9:54 am Taxi request VZ: How did the accused approach you? Tongo: "You can see, from outside, who is approaching. I asked if he wanted a taxi. He said he wanted a taxi to town." Van Zyl: "Was he alone?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "He was pushing a trolley with his luggage?" Tongo: "Yes." Van Zyl: "After a while, a woman joined?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Did you see her approaching from the inside?" Tongo: "I didn't see her. She was not visible." 9:55 am The defence reads parts of Tongo's evidence-in-chief to the court. Van Zyl: "Did she come from inside the airport building?" Tongo: "That's correct." Van Zyl: "Did you not go inside with Mr. Dewani to meet his wife?" Tongo: "We waited outside and he said he is not alone." 9:59 am Trolley meeting Van Zyl: "Are you saying this is wrong?" Tongo: "We were standing there, then the gentleman said he is not alone. "The gentleman was pushing the trolley." Van Zyl: "You never walked back with him into the arrivals hall to meet his wife?" Tongo: "We stood on the inside, at the door." Van Zyl: "I thought you were standing with Tavuks outside, who was smoking." Tongo: "I left Tavuks when I approached the client. "I met the gentleman outside and then we walked to the door." 10:02 am Taxi approach Tongo ruyns through the order of events again. "Tavuks was smoking, the gentleman was alone, pushing a trolley, we spoke, we stood at the door, waited for his wife," he tells the court. Van Vyl: "Mr Dewani will say that he approached the taxi drivers outside. He the agreed on a price of 250 rand." 10:04 am Waiting for 'the female' Van Zyl: "He told you his wife was inside with the luggage. He had no luggage. You both went inside. He introduced you to his wife." Tongo is adamant though. He says: "The man was pushing the trolley. We were standing inside at the door, waiting for the female he said was in his company." 10:12 am Taxi meet Van Zyl is again reading from Tongo's statement. Tongo says he, at the time of his statement, forgot that Shrien was pushing a trolley. Tongo: "He is correct in saying I accompanied him. We walked to the door. That is where we waited." 10:15 am Vegas honeymoon Van Zyl: "Is it possible that they told you and you've forgotten?" Tongo: "I can't remember them telling me that." Van Zyl: "At the time, were you a bachelor?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Shrien Dewani will tell the court that you told them that you were a bachelor. He wouldn't have that info unless you told him." "He says, as a result, he told you he was a bachelor but they were now married and on honeymoon. "He'll say he told you about a bachelor party in Vegas." Tongo: "I do remember him telling me that he is married. I don't remember his friends throwing a party in Las Vegas and he didn't tell me he was on honeymoon." Van Zyl: "He also told you that they hired a helicopter in Las Vegas." Tongo: "The gentleman never told me that." 10:16 am Tongo 'enjoyed being a bachelor' Tongo: "He told me he is married, then I said I am a bachelor, I enjoy being a bachelor and he must enjoy his marriage." Van Zyl: "Mr Dewani said you enquired where they were from and what they were doing in CPT." Tongo: "You're saying he was on honeymoon. He never told me that." 10:18 am Dewani said they're from the UK Van Zyl: "Did he say that to you?" Tongo: "YOU are saying that." Van Zyl: "Let's take this step-by-step. Did you ask them where they are from?" Tongo: "I did." Van Zyl: "What did they say?" Tongo: "The gentleman said they're from the UK." 10:21 am Defence pushing on what Tongo asked couple Tongo: "They never told me what they came to do here." Van Zyl: "If you want to sell yourself, is it not important to find out what they were doing here? Business? Family?" Tongo: "It all depends on how he opens up." Van Zyl: "No, the question is, if you want to sell yourself, is it not important to find out why they are here?" Tongo: "It's important." Van Zyl: "Did you ask them?" Tongo: "I didn't." Van Zyl: "Why? It's important." 10:24 am Chauffeured VIPS Tongo: "For me, I was to give them all the information about Cape Town. If they think about visiting the places at least they have the information." Van Zyl: "Let's go back to Platinum Escapes. They deal with VIP Chauffeur services? "Mr Dewani says you told him you've chauffeured a number of VIPs and you even mentioned names." 10:27 am Tour guide, not executive guide Tongo: "That I was an executive guide is not true. That I'm a tour guide is true. That I chauffeured VIPs is true." Van Zyl: "To be an executive guide, you need to have a licence. Is that why you don't want to admit that you said it?" Tongo: "No. The gentleman did not tell me how long they were going to stay here." 10:32 am Anni had 'bubbly personality' Van Zyl: "You said the lady only spoke to you three times." "The first time at the airport when she was introduced to you? The other times?" Tongo: "In Strand when she told me the food wasn't nice. And when we passed Langa. Those are the only times I can recall." Van Zyl: "What did she ask when you passed Langa?" Tongo: "She wanted to know about the squatter camps (shanty towns)." 10:33 am Anni asked about squatters Tongo: "The car was quiet. She only asked me about the squatter camps." Van Zyl: "What's surprising is that you can remember that after all these years." Judge Traverso: "What did she ask about the squatters?" Tongo: "She asked why the squatters were so close to a stream." 10:36 am Didn't realise Anni was wife Van Zyl: "I thought you said you didn't know the lady was his wife, when you picked him up." Tongo: "The two people I saw from when I picked them up at the airport and fetched them at the hotel did not look the same." Van Zyl: "But you said the wife told you the food is not nice." Tongo: "I realised on Sunday that the one who told me the food is not nice, is the wife. I realised when I went to the Cape Grace on Sunday." 10:41 am Couple 'didn't say they were on honeymoon' Van Zyl: "Have you forgotten about her asking about answering the phone while driving?" Tongo: "Yes, the wife did say that in the car. If you want to add that, it will be the fourth occasion." Van Zyl: "Mr Tongo, I put it to you, that there was quite a conversation in your car with your two friends. "Mr Dewani told you they were from the UK and you were surprised because you thought they were Indian. "They said they were on honeymoon." Tongo: "They never said that." 10:43 am Court adjourns for lunch Van Zyl: "Did you think these were rich people?" Tongo: "No." Van Zyl: "You saw all their luggage. There wasn't enough space." Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "And you never thought they were rich?" Tongo: "I never thought about that." And on that note, the court adjourns for lunch. Stick with us for the next hour or so though as we will recap this morning's developments and look at what we learned from the trial yesterday. 10:54 am Tuesday recap Footage showing businessman Shrien Dewani and his hired driver Zola Tongo meeting to exchange a package was shown at his trial in South Africa yesterday. The Western Cape High Court watched video clips from the Cape Grace Hotel as Tongo gave evidence for the prosecution against Dewani, who is accused of murdering his wife Anni Dewani on their honeymoon. Tongo told prosecutor Shareen Riley that Dewani, 34, had promised to pay him 5,000 rand for his role in his wife's hijacking and killing on November 13, 2010. 11:03 am Tuesday recap The bisexual entrepreneur, from Westbury-on-Trym, near Bristol, has pleaded not guilty to murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy to commit these crimes and defeating the ends of justice. He claims the couple were hijacked as they were being driven through Gugulethu township in Tongo's minibus. He was released unharmed while Anni was driven away. She was found shot dead in the abandoned minibus the next morning. The prosecution alleges he conspired with others to stage the hijacking in return for 15,000 rand. Tongo said he and Dewani arranged to meet at a gate at the Waterfront on November 16. Dewani apparently did not arrive and they agreed over the phone to meet inside the hotel because reporters were outside. 11:12 am Tuesday recap Tongo slowly approached the hotel and pretended to play on his phone because there were police officers he recognised nearby. Dewani waited in a hotel passage and signalled for Tongo to follow him to a room, the footage showed. "The gentleman (Dewani) gave me an envelope in a plastic bag, then he went out and left. I took it and hid it in my waist," Tongo said. He said he went to the bathroom, folded the plastic bag, and opened the envelope to count the money. "There was only 1,000 rand. I folded the envelope, being angry. I put it into my back pocket. I held the plastic in my hand because it was small. I went out and looked to the right hand side. I went out and left," Tongo said. 11:21 am Tuesday recap On the CCTV footage, Dewani can be seen strolling with a plastic bag in hand in the hotel. He walks down the hotel corridor while speaking on the phone, stops momentarily before turning and disappearing from sight. Tongo then walks towards the hotel in white clothing and stands outside, looking at his phone. Eight minutes later, he entered the hotel as Dewani walked in front of him. The two cameras then went black because they were motion sensitive and did not register activity. A minute later, one of the cameras switched back on and Dewani and Tongo can be seen walking in separate directions. Tongo then goes to the bathroom and later leaves the hotel. 11:31 am Tuesday recap He was later interviewed by investigating officer Captain Paul Hendrickse, giving a second false written statement that he signed, the court heard. Once he had appointed lawyer William da Grass having spoken to Mr Hendrickse, he handed himself to police on November 20 2010 after his lawyer phoned him to say police officers were looking for him. He was subsequently arrested and gave a statement at the Bellville police station. 11:43 am
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 29, 2014, 07:24:16 PM
Part 2
11:51 am Court due back on at midday UK time Court is expected to resume after the lunchtime break at noon, UK time. This morning the trial heard further evidence from Zola Tongo, the taxi driver who took the Dewanis on their ill fated trip to a South African township. Defence Lawyer Van Zyl repeatedly pushed Tongo on a number of apparent contradictions between his testimony and previous statements he had made. The court saw two clips of the final movements of the Dewanis before their taxi trip with Tongo. Just before the adjournment, Van Zyl was pushing Tongo on whether he thought the couple seemed rich. 11:54 am CCTV stills Early today the court saw CCTV footage of the couple and Tongo in and around the hotel before driving to a township. Below is a still from one of the video clips, which allegedly show the moment Shrien Dewani hands over a bag of money to the taxi driver for arranging the murder of his bride Anni Dewani. Tongo admitted his role in the killing as part of a plea bargain. Enterprise News and Pictures Grab from CCTV shown on TV allegedly showing the moment Shrien Dewani hands over a bag of money to taxi driver Zola Tonga for arranging the murder of his bride Anni Dewani in South Africa 11:58 am CCTV stills Here we have another still from one of the CCTV clips shown to court today. The prosecution alleges Dewani conspired with others to stage the hijacking in return for 15,000 rand. Tongo said he and Dewani arranged to meet at a gate at the Waterfront on November 16. Dewani apparently did not arrive and they agreed over the phone to meet inside the hotel because reporters were outside. Enterprise News and Pictures CCTV shown on TV allegedly showing the moment Shrien Dewani hands over a bag of money to taxi driver Zola Tonga for arranging the murder of his bride Anni Dewani in South Africa 12:16 pm Court resumes after lunch Van Zyl: "When you arrived at the Cape Grace hotel that Friday afternoon, you'd been in the company of the accused and his wife for about 40 mins at most, that correct?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "You told them that you are a chauffeur of VIPs." Tongo: "Correct." 12:19 pm Help with killing Van Zyl: "I assume you were neatly dressed and your car was clean and in good condition." Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "According to you, shortly after arriving at the Cape Grace hotel, this man, who doesn't know you, asked for help to have someone killed." Tongo: "Correct." 12:24 pm No criminal past Van Zyl: "I suppose this is the first time in your life that someone has made such a request? (to kill)" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "You, yourself have no criminal record and not involved in criminality at all, apart from traffic offences." Tongo: "I don't have any serious case against me but I was arrested at some stage." Van Zyl: "Yes, but you're not involved in criminality. Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Did you know where to find somebody who is prepared to kill somebody else." The lawyer then repeats the question with raised voice. Tongo: "No." 12:27 pm Dewani 'made promises' Tongo says he couldn't raise concerns about the killing request, because Dewani had 'made promises'. Tongo: "He said, on going back, he will attract more clients and refer them to me." Van Zyl: "Did you ask how many clients, cost, evaluate the offer?" Tongo: "I never asked that." Van Zyl: "In any event, this new business was very important to you. Is that right?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "And that is why you were willing to assist the accused with this request." Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "I assume that is not something you'll easily forget. It's the reason you got involved?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Did you tell the police of these promises that were made?" Tongo: "That is correct." Van Zyl: "Did you put it in your statement." Tongo: "It was not put in." 12:29 pm 'Hunger was over - I had a job' Van Zyl: "Anyway, Mrs. Dewani left the vehicle with the luggage and Mr. Dewani stays behind to pay. Can you tell the court.. Mr Dewani paid you R300, incl R50 tip. What happened? Tell the court the full story." Tongo: "The gentleman paid me an amount of R300. Because I did not have change, he said I can take the R50 change as a tip. Then the gentleman said he has a business proposal. I smiled. Hunger was over. I would have a job that weekend. He said he was going inside for 10 mins and I should wait. He then left." Van Zyl: "Didn't you give him a business card?" Tongo: "Correct." 12:33 pm Calls to driver Van Zyl: "Two minutes 20 seconds into the five min period he was with you, one can see the front door being opened. Did you give him the business card?" Tongo: "I gave it." Van Zyl: "Did this business proposal happen before you gave the business card?" Tongo: "I estimate it happened after." Van Zyl: "After you have given the business card, did you receive any phone calls?" Tongo: "I can't remember." Van Zyl: "Two calls to be exact. From the same number." 12:35 pm The job was to kill a person Van Zyl: "By the time Mr. Dewani went to check in, all you were told is that he had a job." Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "You had no idea what kind of job, correct?" Tongo: "I had an idea. I thought he was going to speak about tours." Van Zyl: "It was only after he returned to your car that you learned that the job was to kill a person." 12:45 pm Contradictory crucial evidence Van Zyl reads Tongo's statement, in which he details the job before checking in. Van Zyl: "According to your evidence-in-chief, the only thing that happened was that the accused said he has a job and you must wait. What's contained in your statement, is entirely different. Why is this? "The difference, Mr Tongo, is that in your evidence-in-chief and cross exam, was that all the accused told you before he checked in, was that he had a job for you. In your statement, you go much further. "That you said you don't associate with such things but you will call someone in the township. Do you understand this is a crucial part in your evidence. Why do we have this difference. Can you explain that?" 12:48 pm Mistake under oath Tongo: "He told me he has a business proposal for me. After that, he said I should wait at the parking lot. He went inside. "When it came to what job this would be, we discussed that in the motor vehicle." Van Zyl: "Your statement says Mr Dewani explained the job before he went to check in." Tongo: "He never said that before he went into the hotel." Van Zyl: "That's not what your affidavit says. Is this incorrect." Tongo: "That is a mistake. He never said that before he went into the hotel." 12:50 pm Witness told not to argue The judge has just told the witness to answer the defence's questions and not argue with him. Van Zyl: "When Mr Dewani came to the car, what happened then?" Tongo: "He explained to me that his business proposal, that he going to refer a lot of people to me. "While I was happy, the gentleman told me that his business partner will arrive tomorrow, he needs them to be out of sight. I was shocked. I said I don't associate with such things." 12:54 pm 'Female business partner needed to be taken out' Van Zyl: "Did you know if the business partner was a male or a female?" Tongo: "The gentleman told me it was a female." Van Zyl: "Payment for this. Wasn't that discussed?" Tongo: "We did discuss that." Van Zyl: "Well, tell us about that." 12:59 pm Dewani 'arranged hit in car' Van Zyl: "Did he also say that in the car?" Tongo: "Yes. He said to me that he wants to pay those people in dollars. I said I am going to contact Monde. Van Zyl: "How were you going to contact each other?" Tongo: "The gentleman had my number. The gentleman tried to give me his number but it was not an easy number like ours. I got his number at some stage." 1:03 pm Dewani 'wanted business partner killed' Dewani has passed a note to Van Zyl. Van Zyl: "Did you tell the police that Mr. Dewani told you the person was a business partner, arriving the next day and that she was a female? Tongo: "I told the police he wanted a business partner killed. Not sure if I said female." 1:15 pm Poking holes Van Zyl: "Let's move to your plea agreement. The court has heard from Mr. Qwabe. He says you told him and Mngeni that a husband wanted his wife killed. "Who did you think was going to use your services with Mr. Dewani that night?" Tongo: "His business partner." Van Zyl: "A woman?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Definitely not his wife?" Tongo: "Correct." 1:17 pm Airport pickup Van Zyl: So when you called Tavuks, when your knees were trembling. What did you tell him?" Tongo: "I asked him to do a transfer from the Cape Grace hotel, if he remembers the pick-up I did at the airport. He said he wouldn't be able to." Van Zyl: "Did you tell him it would be two people?" Tongo: "Yes." Van Zyl: "Did you say a gentleman and his business partner?" Tongo: "I can't remember saying business partner but I said two people." 1:23 pm Tongo 'doesn't remember' previous statements Van Zyl: "You said in evidence-in-chief that you wanted him to fetch the gentleman and his wife." Tongo: "I don't remember saying the gentleman and his wife." Van Zyl: "You said this under oath." Tongo: "I don't remember saying that to Tavuks." Judge Traverso: "The question is why, yesterday, did you say you told Tavuks to pick up the gentleman and his wife." Tongo: "I don't remember myself saying that." Van Zyl: "You maintain you thought that was a different lady to the one you picked up at the airport?" Tongo: "Correct." 1:26 pm Tongo denies details in his own signed statement Van Zyl: "Then you have to explain your statement to police." In the statement, Tongo speaks of Dewani and the same lady. Van Zyl: "Who is this 'same lady'?" Tongo: "I can see this is written and I signed it but I never said the same lady." Traverso: "Did the police make this mistake?" Van Zyl: "The person who took this statement is Lt. Col. Barkhuizen, a very experienced Investigating Officer... He would've known how important this is." Tongo: "Must be a mistake." Van Zyl: "Another mistake, ok." 1:27 pm 'I didn't know woman was his wife' Van Zyl: "Why are you running away from the fact that it was Mr Dewani's wife in your car and the person who was to be killed." Tongo: "I didn't know it was his wife." Van Zyl: "Didn't you ask if the person was flying in. The man was just offering you business." Tongo: "I didn't ask him." 1:39 pm How much for hit? Van Zyl is now questioning Tongo about whether Dewani offered to pay in dollars and how much. Van Zyl: "I would imagine he'd say, I'm offering 1000 dollars." Tongo: "He didn't say how much." Van Zyl: "So your evidence that it was offered to you in the car at the Cape Grace, is another mistake?" Tongo: "We might have discussed this on Friday or Saturday evening but we did discuss that. "For me, the time and place - nobody can remember everything." 1:41 pm Exchanging money Van Zyl: "Did he tell you why he can't go to the bank (to exchange money)?" Tongo: "He never said it but I thought maybe he doesn't want to use his passport." Judge Traverso: "So that's something that happened in your head?" Tongo: "Correct." Van Zyl: "Mr Dewani will agree that he wanted a lower exchange rate than the Bureau de Change or bank. "He also agrees with what you say now that he didn't want to exchange where he needs his passport." 1:46 pm Currency questions Van Zyl: "Why didn't you tell the police that this part was just in your head?" Tongo: "It's impossible for someone to remember everything. That's also a mistake." Van Zyl: "Mr Dewani will tell the court that he withdrew £7,000 in cash. That was his 'holiday money'." 1:50 pm Meeting Qwabe Tongo: What I am aware of is I took Mr. Dewani the Saturday to exchange money. I didn't enter the room where they changed money. I don't know how much money he had." Van Zyl: "Mr. Qwabe will say they weren't offered dollars." Tongo: "I can't comment on what Mr. Qwabe said but Mr. Dewani said he wants to pay in dollars." Van Zyl: "Mr Tongo. When did you find out Mr. Qwabe's nickname is Spra? Let's take the Saturday afternoon as a reference. Was it before or after that? Tongo: "If my memory serves me well, I think I got the name after I met up with him." 1:52 pm Court adjourned "He (Qwabe) introduced himself to you as Spra," Van Zyl said. Tongo: "I mentioned yesterday he told me his name, but I didn't keep it. I found out afterwards, as time went on." Court has adjourned. 2:00 pm Court to resume tomorrow And that's it for today, the proceedings have been adjourned until tomorrow. Zola Tongo spent most of the day being cross examined by Shrien Dewani's defence team. Mr Van Zyl exposed a number of apparent contradictions between the convicted taxi driver's evidence and previous statements given under oath. Tongo said a number of mistakes had been made in his previous statements, and at other times he did not recall making other comments when they were put to him. The court also saw CCTV footage of Dewani and Tongo at the hotel before taking the taxi ride that would lead to Anni's death. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/shrien-dewani-trial-recap-updates-4527344
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on October 30, 2014, 02:30:47 PM
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 03, 2014, 04:12:18 PM
Shrien Dewani trial: murderer Zola Tongo admits he was a 'fool'
Shrien Dewani at murder trial
Taxi driver claims he was willing to organise Anni Dewani's murder for just a few days' worth of pay
LAST UPDATED AT 15:16 ON Mon 3 Nov 2014
The taxi driver who delivered Anni Dewani to two hitmen in Cape Town has admitted he was a "fool" for taking part in the murder plot for a relatively small amount of money.
Zola Tongo, who remains on the witness stand at the trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani, is one of three South African men who have already been convicted of Anni's murder. She was shot in a carjacking on her honeymoon in November 2010.
Tongo claims her husband Shrien masterminded the plan and that he had offered him, and the two hitmen, money to kill Anni.
Shrien denies the five charges against him, which include murder, kidnapping and obstructing justice.
Here's what we heard today:
10.00am: Tongo told the court that he would normally earn up to 40,000 rand (£2,260) in a busy month of driving people around in his taxi – yet he claims he was offered just R5,000 (£280) for fixing a murder and suffering damage to his car. Defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl asked him: "You were quite satisfied to take R5000 for your part in this conspiracy, without considering that there may be damage to your car or you may lose the car? Is that what you are saying?" To which Tongo replied: "That is what I initially said. I was a fool and I allowed myself to be misled." He says he did not consider until much later what would happen to his car, which was his only source of income.
12.30pm: Tongo has told the court that after picking up the Dewanis from their hotel he planned to take them straight to the Gugulethu township, where two hitmen were supposed to carry out a fake carjacking before killing Anni. However, there was no sign of them as he drove through so he carried on driving to a restaurant. He claimed Shrien texted him from the back seat asking what was going on. However, Van Zyl cut in to tell the court that there was no record whatsoever of a text being sent to Tongo at that time. "There was communication between me and the accused," said Tongo. "The fact that it doesn't appear on the record, I don't know."
Under cross-examination, Tongo admitted that more statements in his original affidavit are incorrect. For example, in his affidavit he claimed Shrien threatened to kill him if he did not kill Anni. Today he said this was untrue. Van Zyl pointed out that Tongo also told the court that he had decided which route he would take to Gugulethu, but in his affidavit he wrote that one of the hitmen told him which way to go. Tongo claimed that he is only just remembering some things. Judge Jeanette Traverso leant in to ask him: "So your statement is not 100 per cent correct?" He answered: "That is correct."
Shrien Dewani: who's who in the honeymoon murder trial
1 November
The alleged plot to murder newlywed Anni Dewani has been dissected and probed over the last four weeks in the trial of Shrien Dewani.
The British businessman has come face to face in court with two men convicted of murdering Anni in Cape Town on 13 November 2010.
They both testified that Shrien was the one who came up with the plan and offered them money to kill his bride – although he strenuously denies their claims.
The couple were being driven through Gugulethu, a township near Cape Town, in a taxi when two men hijacked the vehicle. Shrien was released unharmed, but Anni's body was found the next day on the back seat of the abandoned car. She had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to her neck.
These are the key people at the centre of the trial:
Anni Dewani
The bride killed on her honeymoon. Sweden-born Anni Dewani was an engineering graduate and part-time model. She met Dewani while staying in Britain with her cousin and they married in October 2010 in an extravagant Hindu wedding in Mumbai. Less than two weeks later, Anni was shot dead on her honeymoon.
Zola Tongo
The South African driving the taxi on the night of Anni's murder. Zola Tongo initially told police that his car was hijacked by two random men, but later admitted the hijacking was part of a plot to murder Anni. He claims that Shrien offered him money to have his wife killed and says that he contacted the two hitmen to organise the murder. The taxi driver was sentenced to 18 years in prison, a term that was reduced after he agreed to testify against Shrien.
Xolile Mngeni
The man who fired the gun. Xolile Mngeni, also known as Watti, was sentenced to 25 years in prison in November 2012, convicted of hijacking the Dewanis' taxi and firing the shot that killed Anni. Mngeni, who suffered from a rare form of brain cancer, was described in his trial as a "merciless and evil person" who deserved the maximum sentence by the trial judge. Mngeni, who was just 23 at the time of the murder, died in the hospital section of Cape Town prison on 18 October this year.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe
The murderer's accomplice. Mziwamadoda Qwabe, also known as Spra, was also sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the murder. Qwabe testified in Shrien's trial that he and Mngeni had been offered 15,000 rand to kill Anni. He claimed Tongo told him that there was a man who wanted his wife killed.
Shrien Dewani
The accused. Shrien Dewani was running his family care home business in Bristol before he became embroiled in the high-profile murder case. Shrien has acknowledged that he is bisexual and he is alleged to have met with male prostitutes while he was in a relationship with Anni. The court has heard how the British millionaire hired a private jet to propose to Anni in Paris with a £25,000 diamond ring and held a week-long stag party in Las Vegas. He is charged with five counts relating to the murder of his wife: conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
Monde Mbolombo
Middleman in the murder plot. Monde Mbolombo, a hotel clerk, has admitted putting Tongo in touch with Mngeni and Qwabe before the murder, but he claims he had no further involvement. He received immunity from prosecution in return for his testimony, which also implicated Shrien in the killing.
Shrien Dewani: middleman said killing was 'Islamic' thing
30 October
Monde Mbolombo, the middleman in the plot to kill Anni Dewani, joked that "Islamic people like to kill their wives" as he assisted in arranging her murder, the trial of Shrien Dewani has heard.
Three South African men – Mziwamadoda Qwabe, Xolile Mngeni and Zola Tongo – have been convicted for the honeymoon shooting.
A fourth South African, Mbolombo, admitted to putting Tongo in touch with the two gunmen, Mngeni and Qwabe, but claimed he had no further involvement in the murder. He received immunity from prosecution for helping convict the other men.
Anni was shot during a carjacking as taxi driver Tongo drove the couple through the Gugulethu township on 13 November 2010.
Tongo, who is currently in the witness stand at the Western Cape High Court, claims Shrien Dewani was behind the plot. He says Shrien met him at the airport when the couple arrived in Cape Town and later offered him money to organise Anni's murder.
Shrien and Anni, both Hindus, would have celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary this week. Shrien has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include murder, kidnapping and obstructing justice.
Here's what happened today:
10.00am: Defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl has continued to point out the inconsistencies in Zola Tongo's various statements made under oath. Tongo initially told police that he did not know the names of the killers, but he later said he had simply forgotten them. Van Zyl pointed out that one of killers was even saved as a contact on his phone. "As time went on, I remembered their names. It was a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes," Tongo told the court.
Tongo also claimed that he thought Anni was Shrien's business partner, not his wife, when he allowed his car to be hijacked by the two hitmen. Yet one of the hitmen, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, claims Tongo specifically said that a man wanted his wife killed. Van Zyl reads from the statement of Monde Mbolombo, who put Tongo in touch with the two hitmen. Mbolombo also said Tongo told him that a man wanted his wife killed. "I never said that to Monde," Tongo told the court. "This is the same Monde who said Islamic people like to kill their wives. I can't comment on what Monde said." Monde had allegedly made a joke to Tongo about Shrien and Anni, saying: "Eh! I wonder whether those are the Islamic people."
1.00pm: Van Zyl asks Tongo what trouble he took to get Monde's services. "Firstly, the trouble that I made, I phoned Monde with my phone, I went to Monde with my petrol," he told the court. "I sacrificed my life for this to happen. There are many troubles I went through. To add to that, my communication with the hotel ends in that manner. Monde also. We are paying with our jobs."
The lawyer later suggested Tongo had completely made up a claim that Shrien rang him on the morning of the murder. Van Zyl said there was no billing evidence to suggest Shrien had phoned him that morning. "I'm putting it to you there was no call. It's a figment of your imagination. It's a made up story," he said.
The court hears that Shrien had a panic attack this morning after press photographers banged on his car window. Judge Jeanette Traverso has urged the media to treat him with dignity. "We all want to see justice done," she said.
Shrien Dewani breaks down over honeymoon CCTV
29 October
Murder suspect Shrien Dewani broke down in tears in the dock today as the court was shown CCTV footage of him and his wife Anni on their honeymoon.
The video footage showed them smiling and hugging each other at their hotel in Cape Town just hours before Anni was killed.
Shrien denies arranging her murder with taxi driver Zola Tongo, who is in the witness stand today.
Tongo and two other South African men – Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni – have already been convicted in relation to her death. Tongo has admitted to driving the couple into the Gugulethu township knowing that Qwabe and Mngeni would hijack his car and shoot Anni. But he claims he was acting on the orders of Shrien.
Here's what happened today:
2.00pm: Video footage, taken from the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, where the couple stayed on their honeymoon in November 2010, was shown to the court this morning. Shrien and Anni could be seen hugging affectionately in their last moments together at the hotel before they left for a night out. In court, Shrien initially smiled as he saw the footage and then the tears began to roll.
Another video clip showed the moment before Shrien allegedly handed over a bag of money to taxi driver Zola Tongo for arranging the murder, after Anni's death. Shrien claims he gave the money to Tongo because he "felt sorry for him" and did not at that point know he had anything to do with the shooting.
In cross-examination, Tongo admitted that he had made a number of mistakes in his original police statement. He confirmed that, as part of his plea agreement to testify against Shrien, he will be eligible for parole after nine years in prison.
Defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl repeatedly pointed out contradictions between Tongo's evidence and previous statements given under oath. The witness claims Shrien approached him with a job offer, promising to send more customers his way, but told him he needed a "business partner" killed. Tongo contradicted himself several times about the times and places where the conversations took place.
Shrien Dewani trial: dramatic carjacking described in court
28 October
A taxi driver today described the dramatic Cape Town carjacking in which Anni Dewani was killed in November 2010.
Zola Tongo is giving evidence in the trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani, who is accused of ordering his wife's murder on their honeymoon in South Africa.
Tongo, who has already been convicted for his part in arranging the murder, told the court that it was Shrien who wanted his wife killed in a fake carjacking.
Two other South African men – Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni – have also been convicted for Anni's murder. Shrien has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include murder, kidnapping and obstructing justice.
Here is what we have heard so far today:
11.00am: Taxi driver Zola Tongo returned to the witness stand, describing the moment when two hired killers, Qwabe and Mngeni, pretended to hijack his car. He had taken the couple to a restaurant in Somerset West, near Cape Town, earlier in the evening but warned the two hitmen off as it was too "wet" – meaning there were too many police around.
Tongo claimed his knees became "weak" as he later drove Anni and Shrien to the Gugulethu township, where he had agreed a meeting point with the hitmen. One of them jumped onto the car bonnet and the other pointed a gun at him, he said. Tongo claimed that both men carried a firearm, which contradicts Qwabe's claim that he was not carrying a gun. The taxi driver said he ended up in the back of the car on the left-hand side, Shrien was in the middle and Anni was on the right. All three were ordered to hand over their mobile phones and Shrien was trying to comfort Anni who was crying as the car drove off. At one point the witness appeared to get confused about Anni, suggesting that she was not the same woman he had met the previous day.
9.00am: German escort Leopold Leisser was back in the witness stand again this morning. Following a plea from the prosecution, Judge Jeanette Traverso allowed him to answer questions on aspects other than Shrien's sexuality. The prosecution pointed out that Shrien was with Anni when he was seeing Leisser, which is therefore "relevant in determining how committed the accused was to the deceased". Leisser, who claims he met with Shrien on three occasions, told the court that he first learned of Anni's death from CNN. He contacted the police to let them know about his relationship with Shrien, but also sold his story to the media for £18,000.
Shrien Dewani: judge angry as male escort Leopold Leisser takes the stand
27 October
Male escort Leopold Leisser has been told to leave the witness stand by the judge overseeing the trial of honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani.
Leisser was called by the prosecution in a bid to show that Shrien had a motive to kill his wife Anni Dewani in November 2010. However, Judge Jeanette Traverso suggested that his testimony was irrelevant as Shrien had already admitted to paying for Leisser's services and the state had not yet proved Shrien had planned to murder his wife.
Anni was shot dead after the couple's taxi was hijacked during their honeymoon in Cape Town. Three South African men – Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni – have already been convicted in relation to her death. Shrien has pleaded not guilty to the five charges against him, which include murder, kidnapping and obstructing justice.
Here is what we have heard so far today:
1.00pm: Taxi driver Zola Tongo took the stand this afternoon, claiming that Shrien first approached him at the airport in Cape Town. After dropping the couple off at their hotel, Tongo said Shrien told him he had a "job" for him and asked him to wait in the hotel car park. Tongo claims Shrien later came down and told him he wanted someone killed. At the time, Shrien allegedly claimed it was a "business partner", a "woman" who would be arriving in Cape Town the following day. Tongo conferred with hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo. He claimed Shrien later specified that he wanted it to look like the car had been hijacked. Tongo admitted that he went to meet Mziwamadoda Qwabe to organise the murder.
10.00am: German escort Leopold Leisser took the stand very briefly. The witness confirmed that he is 43 years old and has permanent residency in the UK. He runs his own business from Birmingham and has been working as a part-time professional gay escort since 2009. "My role was in fetish terms sadomasochistic role-play, a type of fetish of a sexual nature," he told the court.
However, the defence quickly objected after Leisser said he had agreed for Shrien to sleep over at his home, which he said was an "extremely unusual" arrangement. According to reports from the court, Judge Jeanette Traverso "angrily" agreed that she could not understand the relevance of that information. Shrien has already admitted to having sexual interactions with prostitutes, including Leisser.
The prosecution argued that Leisser would testify that Shrien was in two minds about whether to get married and this proves why he might have wanted to have his wife killed. However, the judge suggested that a motive would only be relevant once it has been proved that there was a plot between Shrien and the three murder convicts to kill his wife. She told Leisser to stand down, asking the prosecution to prepare a written statement instead and to call the next witness, who looks likely to be taxi driver Zola Tongo.
9.00am: Warrant officer Pieter Engelbrecht, a ballistics expert, has finished being cross-examined. Last week, the defence criticised the police for their "negligent" reconstruction of the shooting. Engelbrecht admitted that he only measured the arm of Xolile Mngeni, the man convicted of shooting Anni, two weeks ago and did not want to push him to extend his arm fully as he was in a wheelchair and very ill with a brain tumour. Mngeni has since died. Engelbrecht said he only took the gun measurements a few days ago, and not even those of the gun used in the shooting. The defence said it was clear Engelbrecht is not an expert witness and "a child could see the difference".
More about Shrien Dewani:
Graphic emails barred by court in blow for stateShrien Dewani reveals he is bisexual on first day of murder trialShrien Dewani described himself as 'perverted' on GaydarShrien Dewani reveals he is bisexual on first day of murder trial Shrien Dewani: what we know about the honeymoon murder caseMurder suspect loses bid to block extradition Shrien Dewani family welcome 'significant' Panorama findings
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 04, 2014, 04:14:04 PM
Nov 04, 2014 14:32 By Alex Wellman
The trial of British millionaire Shrien Dewani continues in Cape Town today.
8:16 am
The trial resumes with killer taxi driver on the stand
The taxi driver who was convicted of the murder of tragic Anni Dewani is back on the stand for his sixth day of evidence.
Yesterday, the defence attempted to discredit much of his evidence arguing that it was different to his previous signed statements. Tongo, who is serving 18 years in jail for his crime, is speaking to the court through an interpreter.
Shrien was seen shaking his head at certain points during Tongo's evidence yesterday, while the driver also revealed new claims when he said he used child locks on the passenger doors to ensure Anni could not get out.
Defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl was pushing Tongo on reasons why he would accept a relatively small amount of cash, (around £280) for taking part in the plot when he could earn up to £2,260-a-month legally working as a taxi driver.
Experts expect that today will be Tongo's last day of giving evidence.
8:32 am
Tongo 'discussed' plea bargain with lawyer
Shrien's defence lawyer begins the day with asking Tongo about his signed affidavit. This is something that has been questioned a lot in the past with Van Zyl apparently trying to discredit the witness by showing differences in his evidence.
Tongo starts by saying his lawyer William De Grass did not tell him to hand himself over to police, but the lawyer responds by reading out a section of the killer's affidavit where Tongo says his lawyer did tell him to go to police.
Van Zyl then asks Tongo if he told police he was approached by Shrien and the whole murder was a conspiracy with others, Tongo claims he "tried to explain".
When questioned over whether or not he was told that a plea bargain would result in a lesser sentence, Tongo tells the court he "discussed" options with his lawyer.
Tongo adds: "I said I'll hand myself over, testify about my involvement."
8:50 am
Defence goes on the attack
Getty Dewani trial
Questions: Shrien Dewani's Defense Lawyer Francois Van Zyl
Van Zyl has been questioning Tongo about his affidavit all morning, pointing out differences with his spoken evidence in court.
As Shrien looks on, the defence lawyer says to Tongo that the court has been discussing his written statement for days and asks the convicted killer: "Can you explain why your evidence deviates so seriously from what you said in it?"
Tongo: "I remember some things after it was written up."
9:09 am
Dewani 'shakes head' as Tongo gives evidence
Zola Tongo (pic: Pixel) Trial: Murderer Zola Tongo was fetched from prison to give evidence in court
Van Zyl asks Tongo who told him that the killers were unable to come up to where they were in Somerset West because it was "too wet" - meaning had too many police officers.
Tongo: "It was Mziwamadoda Qwabe."
The defence lawyer then reads a section of the killer's affidavit where he talks about the newlyweds walking on the beach, Shrien threatening him and Monde Mbolombo telling the driver he could not come to the area because it was "wet" - meaning full of policeman.
Tongo replies: "There is a mistake. It was Mziwamadoda Qwabe"
Roy McKenzie, a South African journalist covering the case says Shrien is quite animated as the driver gives his evidence. He writes: "Dewani shakes his head, refers to think blue file of papers, as Tongo cross examination drags on."
9:25 am
Tong: 'Dewani WAS part of the conspiracy'
Accused: Shiren Dewani is alleged to have wanted his wife killed
Tongo tells the court that Monde Mbolombo's role was to assist him, make sure everything happens. He says: "That's why I contacted him."
Judge Jeanette Traverso then asks Tongo: "You and others met, agreed there would be a hijacking, did you know there would be two firearms?"
Tongo:"I had an idea."
The court then hears audio from CCTV footage that has middle man Monde Mbolombo saying how the two hitmen were looking for surgical gloves, the kind doctors use.
The audio references "five" people in the conspiracy. Van Zyl: "There was money at play, people had to share in the money, looks like one conspirator reminding others there are five to share."
Tongo: "He was counting five of us, including Dewani - he part of the conspiracy."
Van Zyl: "Why count Mr Dewani?"
Tongo: "Because he was part of the conspiracy to kill the business partner."
9:33 am
Tongo: 'Fifth murder plot member was Dewani'
Shrien's defence is now putting it to Tongo that the conspiracy was put in place and executed without the knowledge of the accused man.
Van Zyl: "Was there not a fifth person in your conspiracy?"
Tongo: "In our conspiracy we were five - Shiren Dewani, Monde Mbolombo, Xolile Mngeni, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Zola Tengo"
Van Zyl pushes on the subject of there being a different fifth person involved in the murder plot.
He says to Tongo: "This shows that there was a fifth person. If it was Mr Dewani, it makes no sense."
Tongo: It makes sense to me."
The court has now stopped for a short break.
9:56 am
Tongo: 'Some memories are coming back to me now'
Enterprise news and pictures Anni Dewani
Shooting: Shrien Dewani is on trial accused of murdering wife Anni Dewani (pictured)
Proceedings have started after a brief tea break. Focus is still on Tongo and the differences between his written and spoken testimony.
Francois Van Zyl asks the taxi driver about a call he received from Monde Mbolombo concerning the fact that Tongo wanted his car left near a car wash after the crime.
The defence lawyer asks the driver if he wanted the car dumped near a car wash to get rid of fingerprints, but Tongo says he doesn't know anything about that.
Van Zyl pushes the subject, asking if it was correct that once Anni was killed, the hit men were to leave the car near the car wash.
Tongo: "That's right."
Van Zyl: "Now you say you wanted your car left near car wash, can you please explain what appears to be a contradiction?
"You said you didn't know where they were going to leave the car?
Tongo: "I knew because some of the things are reappearing now."
10:39 am
Van Zyl: 'Mbolombo was more involved'
PA CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo on the phone to Zola Tongo, as the the BBC programme investigates the death of 28-year-old Anni Dewani
Footage: CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo allegedly on the phone to Zola Tongo on the BBC's Panorama programme
Van Zyl is now implying that Monde Mbolombo was much more involved in the planning of the killing than Tongo has previsouly said.
An audio clip of a phone conversation between Mbolombo and Qwabe where the middleman tells the hitman: "You know that thing we were talking about. It must happen today. I'm going to keep on calling him my brother."
The lawyer asks Tongo what the two men are talking about, but the driver claims not to know as he was not there. Van Zyl then puts it to him that Mbolombo had a far bigger role in the conspiracy.
Tongo: "As I said, Monde was my assistant, I don't know what you are saying that he played a big or small role."
10:50 am
Killers wanted £850 to murder Anni
Millionaire Shrien Dewani Marriage: Shrien with his wife Anni, 28. She was murdered as the couple honeymooned in South Africa
Shrien's defence lawyer is telling the court how convicted murderer Qwabe previously admitted agreeing on being paid just £850 to kill Anni.
Van Zyl: "Qwabe told the court they were supposed to be paid 15000,but got 10000,they contacted Monde about money that was short."
Tongo: "As to how much the men got I won't be able to answer."
At this point, Judge Traverso interjects and asks Tongo who took the money left in the car.
Tongo says he does not know because he was not there.
He adds: "I can't remember coming to an agreement about who would take the money from a certain place."
10:59 am
Tongo: 'Dewani called me to make sure killing would happen'
Barcroft Dewani trial
Accused: Shrien Dewani waits in the dock at the Western Cape High Court
The focus has shifted to what happened while Shrien and Anni dined in a sushi restaurant just a short time before the carjacking.
Van Zyl says to the taxi driver that he has previously accused Dewani of calling him while he waited outside. He said: "What did you discuss?"
Tongo: "The accused wanted to make sure that this really would take place."
Shrien's lawyer says that his client "will tell the court" that what actually happened was that he went to the restaurant toilet, had a missed call and then went outside to reply as it was too loud inside.
Van Zyl: "Mr Dewani will deny he asked you anything about a hijacking or if it would happen."
Tongo: "If Mr Dewani denies that, it's between him and his God. I'm telling what he requested."
The court has now adjourned for lunch and proceedings will begin around 12pm UK time.
12:25 pm
Recap on the morning's events
To recap on the events in court so far today, taxi driver Zola Tongo has been on the stand giving evidence for the sixth day.
The convicted killer has told the court that he had "discussions" with his lawyer about a plea bargain before he went to the police, but Tongo added that he wanted to "hand himself over".
Shrien's defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl has been on the attack this morning, trying to punch holes in Tongo's evidence. On numerous occasions he has highlighted differences between the driver's signed affidavit and his evidence in court.
When grilled by the lawyer over which one of the killers had told him there were too many police officers in the area of Somerset West, Tongo admitted his written statement was incorrect when it said it was Monde Mbolombo.
Shekhar Bhatia Shrien and Anni Dewani
Tragic: Shrien and Anni Dewani. The couple were on honeymoon in South Africa when Anni was shot
He said: "There is a mistake. It was Mziwamadoda Qwabe".
As the afternoon approached, Mr Van Zyl began asking Tongo about who was part of the conspiracy. CCTV footage played to the court showed Mbolombo referring to "five" people being part of the plot.
Tongo argued that the fifth person was Dewani, but Mr Van Zyl claimed this made "no sense" at all. Tongo fired back: "It makes sense to me."
The defence lawyer continued to push Tongo, who put much of the difference in his evidence down to memories only just coming back to him.
Shortly before the court adjourned for lunch, Tongo told how Dewani called him on his mobile from the restaurant where he was eating with his new wife, "making sure" the killing would take place.
12:37 pm
Tongo: 'I knew cash was in car as we drove to hijacking"
Proceedings have resumed and Zola Tongo is still on the witness stand giving evidence. The defence team has moved on to the subject of the money and where it was to be left in the car.
Van Zyl: "When you left Strand with Shrien Dewani and Anni, you knew the money was in the pouch behind the passenger seat...
Tongo: "Correct."
Van Zyl: "And you informed the young men?"
Tongo: "Correct."
Van Zyl: "Telephonically?
Tongo: "I can't remember if I sent them an SMS or called, but I know I told them."
12:54 pm
Tongo: 'The convicted killer is wrong - there were two guns'
The questioning is now moving towards the moment the newlyweds were carjacked.
Van Zyl asks Tongo tells the court that Tongo has said that both Qwabe and Mngeni had firearms on them when they stopped the car.
The lawyer then tells the driver that one of the killers, Qwabe, claims there was only one pistol used - which Mngeni had - and asks: "Would it surprise you?"
Tongo tells the court that Qwabe must be incorrect, before he tells the court how the carjacking unfolded. According to the convicted killer, he was at the back on left with Shrien in the middle, then Anni on the right. Qwabe was driving and Mgeni was in the front passenger seat.
Van Zyl then reads from the driver's written statement about the incident, where Tongo said Mgeni was sat in the back - highlighting the differences in his evidence.
Tongo replies: "I can see that's written but what I'm telling you now, is what happened and that's why I said some of the things are resurfacing. I admit that I signed this statement, but what I am saying here is what happened."
1:01 pm
Tongo: 'Killers let me out of the car'
Getty Xolile Mngeni
Killer: Xolile Mngeni let Tongo out of the car
The judge has again interjected, telling the witness "something" was bothering her about the child locks.
She asks the taxi driver if putting them on was part of the agreement with Dewani and the other men, which Tongo says it was not.
Defence lawyer Van Zyl then asks Tongo how he got out of the vehicle, and he replies that Mngeni opened his own door, reached back and then opened the rear door to let the driver out.
Van Zyl: "We'll have to test that."
Tongo: "I'll be very happy."
1:14 pm
Tongo: 'Dewani asked me if they found the body'
Grab from CCTV allegedly showing the moment Shrien Dewani hands over a bag of money to taxi driver Zola Tonga Grab from CCTV allegedly showing the moment Shrien Dewani hands over a bag of money to taxi driver Zola Tonga
The case has now moved on to the point where Dewani and Tongo were seen on CCTV camera at the Cape Grace hotel the morning after the hijacking.
After a few questions from van Zyl, Tongo said that during the conversation pictured, Shrien Dewani asked him if he was alright and if they found the body. The accused man then left but returned shortly after.
Tongo: "I said to him I don't have any knowledge but hope that they did the job."
1:23 pm
The morning after
Tongo's claims that he and Dewani discussed the carjacking and murder, and that Dewani asked him if they found the body do not appear in the taxi driver's signed statement - another discrepancy.
Shrien's defence lawyer jumps on this and asks: "Why was this discussion not mentioned in statement? Why didn't you tell police about it?
Tongo: "Some things resurfacing now. If I could rewrite a statement now, it would be slightly different to original statement, can remember things.
Van Zyl: "I put it to you, if you'd had such a discussion with accused that night, you would have mentioned it to police."
At this point the judge makes a comment to Tongo, stating that as far as the plan was he and Dewani were not to be harmed, so why was the accused enquiring about his wellbeing.
1:35 pm
Lawyer: 'Cash was for trip NOT killing'
Shrien's lawyer read out a part of Tongo's statement where he claims Dewani asked him on the phone if he was fine, wanted to pay the outstanding money before dropping the phone.
Turning to the convicted killer, the lawyer asks if that is correct, to which Tongo replies: "yes."
Van Zyl continues reading the statement where it says Dewani only paid the driver £57 (ZAR1,000), instead of an agreed £280 (ZAR5,000) and then asks: "What will a trip to Somerset West cost?
Tongo: "Between £84-96 (ZAR1,500-1,700)"
Van Zyl tells the court that Dewani claims Tongo said he would charge the couple £57 for an inclusive morning and evening trip.
Tongo: "I do not charge that amount of money at night."
1:51 pm
Tongo: 'Dewani still owes me hundreds'
Last journey: CCTV captures the couple just before the fatal journey
Tongo has told the court that after he realised he was shortchanged £226 by Dewani over the killing, he "took it as a loss".
The driver also told the court that he is still owed a further £85 by Dewani for the fatal trip where Anni was killed.
Judge Tarverso: "But you weren't taking them to show them the nightlife. You were taking them to a hijacking and for someone to be killed. You were going to charge?"
Tongo: "That is correct
2:00 pm
Lawyers claim Dewani gave out 'thank you' cards
Enterprise News and Pictures Shrien Dewani
Footage: CCTV from the hotel shows Tongo walking out with a white bag
Lawyers for Shrien are claiming in court that what the CCTV picked up when the two men met the morning after the killing, was the accused man giving Tongo £56 (ZAR1,000) and an African thank you card.
Dewani is claiming that he bought a pack of thank you cards for staff and others who had helped through a turbulent time, and there was footage avaialable of this.
Tongo: "It's nonsense and a lie, that the accused person gave me a thank you card."
Van Zyl: "Is the truth that you didn't want to tell the police that you received a thank you card with ZAR1000 because that would fly in the face of what you're saying?"
Tongo: "If the accused gave me a chocolate or any other gift, why wouldn't I say it now when things are resurfacing?"
2:32 pm
Court adjourns
The court has now adjourned for the day and will start again tomorrow.
T
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 05, 2014, 03:33:10 PM
Shrien Dewani trial: Recap of updates from court as honeymoon murder case continues
Nov 05, 2014 14:40 By Alex Wellman
The trial is currently hearing evidence from convicted killer and taxi driver Zola Tongo, who claims he was paid by Dewani to set the killing up.
Yesterday, Dewani's lawyers went on the attack against Tongo, picking holes in his evidence and asking why it was different to what he wrote in a signed affidavit.
Reporters in court told how the accused man would often shake his head as Tongo spoke, while the driver on brief occasions appeared to get annoyed with the line of questioning.
The 34-year-old - currently serving 18 years for his role in her death - is returning to give evidence for a seventh day. 9:09 am
Top lawyer claims Dewani could be cleared A South African legal expert has said that Shrien Dewani could be cleared as the two 'star' state witnesses had been particularly "poor" and his legal team had a "more than reasonable" chance of having all charges against him dropped.
Leading defence attorney William Booth spoke yesterday about how the state's case against the British millionaire was "riddled with inconsistencies" and could collapse before Dewani has to take the stand.
Mr Booth said: "The two key witnesses - Tongo and Qwabe - have brought really the only testimony that counts in this trial and the quality of their evidence has been poor and riddled with inconsistencies.
"The overall quality of the prosecution case we have heard so far has not been high. There is nothing for the defence team to lose by bringing the application to have the case against their client discharged and I think they would have a strong reasons for doing so. If Dewani were my client, I would certainly go down that route."
9:52 am
Lawyer: "We have a photo of Dewani with thank you cards'
Zola Tongo,Shrien's defence lawyer Francois van Zyl begins the day by asking Tongo if the accused told him that he wanted to pay the outstanding money, to which Tongo replies: "It seems he did."
Referencing the time after the attack, van Zyl tells the court that Dewani went to a shopping mall on the Tuesday after the attack to do some shopping and buy thank you cards.
He tells the court: "Because there was lots of media, the hotel arranged for him to use one of their cars. He bought thank you cards, that were in a white plastic bag.
"We've been supplied with a photograph, of the accused at the Waterfront, carrying this bag in his left hand."
10:02 am
Tongo: 'Dewani gave me cash in hotel' The lawyer then says that there was contact between the two men when Tongo gave Shrien a missed call and the Brit called him back.
van Zyl: "He (Dewani) will say that he wrote a thank you card, put ZAR1,000 (£56) in it and into an envelope and left his room to meet with you. He did ask you to come into the hotel. There were lots of media outside. What do you say about that?"
Tongo: "The fact that the accused left his room, is up to him. But what I know is that he can't get outside because there are lots of media. He also said that I must come in, I will see him.
"I got through the door. I saw him. He gave me a sign to follow him. I did. He had a bag in his hand."
The court is then played CCTV footage of Dewani and Tongo from inside the hotel showing the pair going into a room for about a minute before the accused comes out, followed shortly by Tongo who goes into a toilet and then leaves.
van Zyl: "What happened in that room?"
Tongo: "We got in there, we didn't get deep into it. We stood at a round table. The accused handed over a plastic bag. Then he walked out I looked in the plastic. There was an envelope.
"I went to the toilet to check the money. I saw it wasn't the full amount. I took the money, put it in my back pocket, kept the plastic and walked out. I was upset and angry."
10:11 am Tongo: 'I was not given a thank you card'
With Tongo still on the stand, van Zyl continues to grill him over the moment he and Dewani met in the hotel after the killing.
The lawyer asks the witness why he did not throw away the plastic bag he was given by Dewani if, as he claims, it was empty after he put the cash in his pocket.
Tongo says he does not have a reason, but van Zyl, pointing to an image of the drive walking with the bag in his hand, says: "If you look at the way you're carrying the bag, it looks like something is in there.
"Like an envelope or a card."
The driver disagrees and claims that the bag was simply "hard" and if it is carried properly, using the handles, it could look like something was in there when it was not.
10:25 am Tongo: 'Dewani claims are nonsene"
Tongo is then asked if he looked for Dewani after he realised he had been underpaid for the job.
The driver tells the court that he used "the corner" of his eye to look for him as he left, but could not see him.
The lawyer then tells the court that Dewani claims there were tow other people in the room when he gave Tongo the plastic bag.
van Zyl: "The accused will say, he gave you the bag, thanked you and told you there's something inside for you."
"He says you then said that you're sorry about what happened. He asked when you're getting your car back you said you had no idea. You shook hands and parted. What do you say?
Tongo: "That is nonsense."
10:28 am Judge tells Tongo: 'Lawyer must be irritating you to d
Questions: Shrien Dewani's Defense Lawyer Francois Van Zyl
Judge Jeanette Traverso stops proceedings briefly to speak directly to Tongo, who appears to be getting riled by van Zyl's questioning.
Speaking directly to the witness, the judge says: "Mr Tongo, I notice that you are getting very angry. And I appreciate that you've been in the witness stand for a long time. But please try and be calm and answer the questions to the best of your ability.
"I know Mr Van Zyl must be irritating you to death but please try and stay calm."
10:36 am
Tongo: "I don't care if he sent thank you cards - I didn't get one' Shrien's lawyer is pushing the taxi driver again on the issue of the thank you cards.
He tells Tongo that he was not the only one to receive a card. The defence claim a police officer was given one and a family who helped him while Dewani was out there also got one.
van Zyl: "This time, without money. Both were caught on CCTV. Do you accept that that happened?
Tongo: "Sir, whether her sent a card to the minister or president, it doesn't concern me. He never gave me a card."
10:49 am Tongo: 'I was not there when Anni was killed'van Zyl moves on to the killing of Anni Dewani and asks Tongo if he was aware of how the tragic newlwed was murdered - pushing his argument that it was not a typical execution-style killing.
He says: "The court has heard evidence of how the deceased was shot. She was shot once, in the upper chest, bullet went through her left hand. It is the defence's case that that is not an execution shot.
"We also heard from Mr Qwabe that after the deceased was shot, he drove into a residential area. Were you aware of these facts?
Tongo: "I was not present at the time. As to what was going to happen, where how, whether she was to be shot, stabbed or strangled. I don't know. I was not there."10:52 am
Tongo: 'Deal was that Anni must die'
Following Tongo's claims that he did not know how Anni was going to be killed, only that she was going to be, Judge Traverso interjects and asks for clarification.
Judge Traverso: "But surely there was a discussion."
Tongo:" We decided that the person was going to be killed.
Judge Traverso: "How?"
Tongo: "We never came to a decision whether the person was to be killed with a firearm or stabbed. The fact that I heard that the person was going to look for his gun, maybe that person does not use it when he is killing her.
"What I am trying to say, is yes there was a firearm and they were going to look for another one. Maybe they decide, okay we won't use it no more."
Judge Traverso: "What was the deal?"
Tongo: "The deal was that his business partner had to be killed."
10:58 am Tongo: 'Dewani claims are LIES'
Shrien's lawyer is again pushing Tongo in a line of questioning that those in court are saying is upsetting the witness.
He tells those in attendance that Dewani argues that he never conspired to kill his wife, that he does not know what went down, that Tongo and his friends saw the couple as "easy targets" and "maybe there was a more sinister motive".
Tongo: "Those are lies."
11:11 am Lawyer: 'Dewani stitched up after plot went wrong over rape row'
The state is now saying that a fellow prisoner of Tongo's will give evidence that could take apart much of the driver's claims.
Bernand Mitchell allegedly contacted Dewani's legal team a while back after talking to Tongo in the prison showers.
The jailbird claims the driver told him he was happy he did not get life in prison and, after gaining Tongo's trust, was told all about "what really happened."
van Zyl: "He asked why kill such a pretty girl, why not just rape her. Why kill her?
"You said your accusers jeopardised the whole plan. The plan was to kidnap her and hold her hostage. One of them wanted to rape her.
"A quarrel ensued and a shot went off. You further told him that you thought of blackmailing Mr Dewani to kill his wife."
The lawyer then tells the court that Mitchell asked Tongo how he could send an innocent man to prison and Tongo is alleged to have told him he was advised to stitch up Dewani to get a lesser sentence, saying: "These people have a lot of money".
A clearly annoyed Tongo fires back: "This is nonsense and all lies. This is what you will call, in prison terms, prison stories."
The court has now adjourned for lunch.
12:27 pm Lawyer claims Dewani wanted to surprise Anni with helicopter ride Tensions were reportedly getting high just before the break for lunch, with Tongo appearing to get riled by the line of questioning from Shiren's defence lawyer Francois van Zyl.
The defence is now putting forward what it believes happened after Tongo picked up the newlyweds and took them to the Cape Grace hotel. Talking to Tongo, van Zyl says that the driver offered to help Dewani and his wife with any tours they may wish to go on - a point Tongo agrees with.
van Zyl: "He (Dewani) will also say, while he was paying you, he was interested in a private helicopter trip, as a surprise for his wife.
"He then asked you if you could organise a helicopter trip as a surprise. You had said to do a private tour. What do you say to that.
Tongo: "That's just nonsense and lies. There is no pilot that I know. There is a place that I know I would normally take my people to but we never discussed anything to do with a helicopter.
van Zyl: "The accused will say you gave him your business card and stored your number on his BlackBerry cellphone. He said he'll call you later, he wants to check in. You said you have some time and will wait."
Tongo: "Those are double lies. What I'm telling is the truth. What the accused said is that he has a business proposal or job for me."
The driver again claims he was never asked about a helicopter ride, only that Dewani had a proposal for him that would expand his business.
12:43 pm Tongo again slams "lies"
The defence lawyer appears to be pushing the line that Shrien was not at all contemplating having his wife killed, and instead was working on ensuring the couple had a honeymoon to remember.
van Zyl: "He (Dewani) says you asked him if you could organise other trips for him like wine trips and he said he will discuss this with his wife and hear what she wants to do. Any comment?"
Tongo: "Those are lies. I gave him my business card on the Friday, he saved my number, we contacted each other than evening and Saturday. Before we went to exchange the money."
1:07 pm Lawyer: 'Killers are lying'
Dewani's legal team is now going through the accused man's version of events. They argue, to constant denials from Tongo, that Shrien and Anni were victims of a cajacking and that Tongo and the other killers have lied in order to have their sentences reduced.
The lawyer said that Dewani will testify, he took a large amount of South African cash, which he left in Anni's handbag, as a deposit for the helicopter trip.
van Zyl added: "He will tell the court about how they were hijacked,the most important difference is you were in the front passenger seat like you initially said in your statement."
Tongo: "My lady (to the judge), that man is lying."
van Zyl: "In summary the accused will say your evidence that he conspired with you to have his wife killed is simply not the truth."
Tongo: "Those are lies."
1:28 pm Tongo finishes his evidence and prosecution calls new witness
And it looks like we spoke too soon. After a short break, Zola Tongo is back on the stand being reexamined briefly by prosecutor Shareen Riley.
The lawyer only asks the driver a few questions - did he get his cellphone back, did he expect further payment from the accused.
And after answering the questions he is, finally, dismissed.
Judge Traverso: "Mr Tongo, you will be pleased to know that you are finished and free to go."
The prosecution has now called police officer Captain Vinesh Lutchman.
1:39 pm Police officer takes the stand
The police officer, who currently works at Gugulethu Police Station, said the first he heard about a hijacking was on the evening it happened - 13 November, 2010.
He tells the court that it was that evening he met Zola Tongo in the crime officer where the driver arrived having claimed to have been carjacked.
The officer tells how Tongo's statement was taken by another officer before he arrived and Lutchman begins recounting that statement, Tongo's version of events. Lutchman tells the court he informed his superior and then gave instructions to take Tongo to the hotel where the newlyweds were staying in order to begin the investigation there.
1:48 pm Police reveal how Dewani said the carjacking took place Lutchman is now telling how he and two other officers met with Shrien in the hotel boardroom - where one of the other officers conducted the interview.
According to the officer, Shrien said he was on his way from dinner with Anni and Tongo and he and his new wife were looking at photos in the back seats. Anni had insisted she wanted to see the nightlife in the township, despite the British businessman telling her he did not feel very well. Dewani then told the driver what they wanted to do, soon after which he saw a green board pointing to Gugulethu. Lutchman is now revealing how Shrien said the carjacking took place. According to the Englishman, one of the men got in at the front while the other was pointing the firearm to the back.
The carjacker pointing the gun took Shrien's mobile phone but he managed to hide Anni's ring in the seat of the car. According to the testimony Dewani gave in the hotel, the robbery continued after Tongo was let out of the car. Shortly after Dewani was also let out.
Lutchman tells the court how Shrien was in a shocked state. He adds: "We were there for an hour or two, for quite some time. Mr Dewani was in and out of the boardroom."
1:57 pm Dewani turned down a counsellor claiming he could smell alcohol
The officer is telling how, as the statement was being taken from Dewani, he had ordered teams to head out and locate the missing car and Anni.
Lutchman tells the court that he also arranged for a counsellor to speak to Dewani, but the Brit turned this down complaining that the person "smelled of alcohol".
Lutchman: "He is a priest. He doesn't drink."
The officer then says how he asked the Englishman for photographs of Anni, but he did not have any and had to ask for some to be emailed to the hotel.
At around 6.50am a call came through that Anni's body had been found with the missing taxi and before the officer could tell Dewani, the accused man's brother called the police asking that they not tell him and instead let the family break the news.
2:03 pm Dewani sat on bed and cried when he found out Anni was dead Video clips are now being played in court showing the moment Shrien was told his wife was dead.
His family, who had by then arrived, are seen following him into a room at the hotel at around 9.20am - the time when Lutchman said the British businessman received a call telling him.
The footage then shows a large group of family huddled around Shrien, before he walks down the hallway to his room.
Lutchman: "He sat on his bed and was crying."
2:39 pm
Court adjourned: Recap on the day's events
The court has now adjourned for the day.
To recap on the events in court, taxi driver Zola Tongo gave evidence for a seventh day. The convicted killer appeared to get riled by the line of questioning from defence lawyer Francois van Zyl.
They began by claiming that CCTV footage of the two men meeting in the hotel after the killing of Anni, actually showed Dewani giving the driver some money and a thank you card as a way of showing him gratitude for helping him through a tough time.
The court heard the defence claim they had photos of Dewani at a shopping mall with a bag, which they argue was a pack of thank you cards he bought. They say he also gave one to a police officer and staff at the hotel.
Witness: Tongo was giving evidence for a seventh day
Tongo denied ever being given a card by Dewani and instead was given cash for sorting out the killing.
At one point Judge Jeanette Traverso halted proceedings while she asked Tongo to calm down, as it was apparent to her van Zyl was annoying him "to death".
When grilled over how Anni would be killed, Tongo said he never had a conversation about how the newlywed would die, only that she had to be killed.
Judge Traverso again interjected, asking for clarification but Tongo reiterated that although he knew the killers had at least one gun, he did not necessarily know that Anni would be killed with it.
CCTV: Footage from inside the hotel was the subject of much speculation
Shortly before lunch, the defence announced that they would soon bring their own witness to the stand who would contradict most of Tongo's claims.
Mr van Zyl told the court that a fellow prisoner of Tongo's contacted Dewani's legal team a while back after talking to the taxi driver in the showerss. Mitchell claims he was told by Tongo that the original plan was to kidnap and hold Anni hostage, but following a row over whether or not one of them could rape her, a shot went off that killed her.
The lawyer told the court that Mitchell asked Tongo how he could send an innocent man to prison and Tongo is alleged to have told him he was advised to stitch up Dewani to get a lesser sentence, saying: "These people have a lot of money".
Like much of the accusations put to Tongo today, the driver fired back: "Lies."
In the afternoon, the defence team began telling the court how Dewani claimed to have asked Tongo about setting up a helicopter tour for him and his wife along with a tour of a winery. They told the court Dewani had taken a large amnount of cash out to pay for this and put it in his wife's handbag.
The taxi driver was finally excused from court, before police captain Vinesh Lutchman was called to the witness stand and told how he was asked not to tell Dewani of his wife's death by the accused man's brother until the family arrived.
Just before the court adjourned for the day, he said that after he was told Dewani sat on his bed and cried.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 05, 2014, 10:52:12 PM
Thanks for all the up-dates Anna.
I'm beginning to wonder how the case got to court it seems so weak?
You are welcome Holly. There is only one star witness now that his mate has died and the defence is tearing him to bits. Lots of contradictions of the original statements, but after all these years what would we expect? I still think it is too long for a case to wait for trial. I was beginning to think that there was no interest in this case and wondered if it was worth posting updates, so I am glad that you have been following........ *&(+(+.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 06, 2014, 05:09:21 PM
I will be posting a day after the date of hearings, as it is easier to copy, so tomorrows post will be for 6th nov -------------------------------------------------------
Wed Nov 05, 2014 Part 2
Court resumes after lunch break
Court has resumed after lunch, and Monde Mbolombo is back on the stand.
Mbolombo says he met Tongo in 2007, when the Protea Colosseum hotel opened.
Tongo worked at Platinum Escapes at the time. Mbolombo admits he knows Mziwamadoda Qwabe, known to him as Abongile.
They'd worked together for about three or four years.
Mbolombo met him on November 1 at Monwabisi beach. Before that, he had seen him in 2006.
12:13 pm Mbolombo wanted gunpowder to heal daughter
Mbolombo: "She needed the powder. I was going to use it as medicine to cast out the bad spells."
Riley: "Why did you ask Mr Qwabe?"
Mbolombo: "When I met him at the beach, I saw the people who were with him at the beach. I though they were involved in wrong activities like crime.
"It was also as a result of the conversation we had at the time. He wanted to know if I was working, I said yes. I asked him if he's working. He said no. He asked me Monde how is your life?
"If there are people after you, let me know. i responded by saying there are no people after me."
12:18 pm
Meeting with Zola
Mbolombo: "I phoned him."
Riley: "Did you know Mr Mngeni?
Mbolombo: "No."
Riley: "On November 12, 2010, is it true that Zola came to the hotel? (Protea) When he came to you, tell the court what happened.
Mbolombo: "He first called my workplace.
"He enquired about my shift. I said I started at 3 and finish at 11pm. He said hew was on his way to my workplace.
"When he got there, I was busy at the desk. I went to the lift and said I'll attend to him when I get back/"
12:21 pm
Tongo wanted a hit man
Mbolombo: "I came back and found him at the desk. He told me there is something I want to talk to you about.
"He said is there no-one that I know that is a hitman. As soon as he said that, we moved outside. He then said there's someone looking for a hitman.
"I said no, I'm not familiar with people who are criminals. I said there's someone I can enquire from. Please ask Abongile. We then moved to the back office. I took out my phone.
"In the one hand, I had the hotel's cordless phone. I called Abongile from the cordless phone and left my phone on the table."
12:24 pm
Someone to 'do a job'
Mbolombo: "Zola was standing next to me. I then moved out of the back office. I left Zola there. My phone was on the table.
"I said to him there's a guy here, Zola, who is looking for someone to do a job. He enquired what kind of job.
"I said he is looking for a hitman. Zola was at reception. There were people at reception who understood Xhosa, and because this conversation relates to a hitman, I didn't want them to hear.
"I called Abongile because I thought of the conversation at the beach and people he was with. I didn't expect that he would do the job himself."
12:29 pm
Offering the price for the hit
Mbolombo: "I knew him as someone who came from a decent background and attended the so-called Model C schools.
"He said Monde, if we do this job for this guy, how much is he going to pay us. I didn't know at that stage.
"I then opened the glass door and called Zola. I redialed. I said Abongile, here is this guy, next to me and ask Zola how much. He said 15000.
"At no stage did Zola speak to him, because after Abongile heard about the price he said we shouldn't discuss this over the phone. We should meet."
12:30 pm
No problem with killing
Riley: "Did he indicate that the job would be done?"
Mbolombo: "He indicated that he would do this. That he had no problem."
"We went back to the hotel. Zola said I should allow him to go and we will discuss this some other time.
"A while after Zola had left, I called Abongile. I wanted to tell him that I worked with this guy for a long time and that he can trust the person. He said we should make plans to meet. I didn't see Zola again that day."
12:37 pm
The meet
Mbolombo: "They met. I couldn't make it for that meeting (Saturday). My shift started at 3 and ended at 11.
Riley: "How did you know about the meeting?"
Mbolombo: "I received a call, the morning, from Zola. He said I am coming that side. I don't know Abongile. You know Abongile, so we can meet to discuss. There was then communication between myself and Abongile. I said, it looks like this guy is coming to Khayelitsha today.
"I sat there waiting. I told him that by 1.30pm, I'll be leaving. I was waiting and waiting and waiting.
"At 2pm I got into a taxi. The taxi took me to Site C. Again there was communication between me and him. I told him I'm in a taxi to Site C.
"At Site C, I got into a taxi that was going to Century (City). The taxi left the rank. Just as it left the rank, he told me he was at the rank, close to the Caltex Garage (petrol station). I got out of the taxi."
12:43 pm
The husband wants the lady killed
Mbolombo: "I then got into his car. We had a chat. I asked why are you looking for a hitman. What is it about this person hat you would look for a hitman.
"His response was that there was a couple, married people. The husband wants the lady to be killed. I wanted to know which lady and how do you know these people. Where do you know them from
Mbolombo: "He said I met these people at the airport. It's the man who wants his wife to be killed. Whilst we were chatting Zola's phone rang. He said here's this gentleman we are talking about. I can say now who he was referring to.
"They had a conversation. I could not hear what the gentleman was saying. I could only hear Zola say, I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming.
"Zola put the phone down and said, this gentleman doesn't trust me. He then said that he had to go with this gentleman to change dollars into rand, in order to pay the killers."
12:50 pm
Tonga had 'done it before in South Africa'
Mbolombo: "To add to that, he said he didn't want to go to the legitimate places to change money because he is evading tax and that this money was going to be used to pay the people who were going to do the job.
"The other thing I forgot to mention. He said the person was from overseas, not from South Africa.
"He also said it's not the first time this man did this. He did it before in South Africa. Now he wants to do it again.
"And it should look like a fake hijacking
"We then left to my workplace. It was about ten or five minutes before 3pm. Zola went into the main entrance.
"I gained entrance through the back door, as a staff member. He then said I have to rush back to meet these guys.
"He then said he was going back to Khayelitsha. Anything else can be discussed over the phone."
12:53 pm
Middle man role
Mbolombo: "My role was to make sure Zola and Abongile meet and that this thing happens. I didn't know how many would be involved.
"There was communication between all of us that day. That was the day we had the most communication, up until the time I had to go home.
"I would say, starting from 5pm onwards, we started contacting each other. I'm just not sure of the times
"This thing happened in 2010. To get things into order and make sure things go according to plan, because it so happened that if they couldn't get hold of each other, they would call me. I would call the other to inform."
12:56 pm
Mbolombo knew victims were a couple
Mbolombo: "I knew they were a couple. Zola said he was going to drive with them. He would take them to a restaurant in Somerset. They would have something to eat. On their way back, they would call me.
"Abongile called me at around 7, looking for Zola. I'm not certain of the time. I told him I would try to get hold of Zola.
"He told me that they were supposed to meet at 7.30pm but they didn't. I called Zola and informed him that these guys are also looking for gloves."
Riley: "When did you find this out?"
Mbolombo: "I received a call Saturday morning."
1:01 pm
Getting gloves to avoid fingerprints
Mbolombo: "I received a call from Abongile, as we were having a conversation, he said we will have to get gloves so that there will be no fingerprints."
Riley: "Were you expecting any monetary benefit/other?"
Mbolombo: "I'd say so because when Zola told Abongile that they were getting R15000, I told Zola I would also have to get something for all the work I'm doing.
"I said even if I get R5,000, but there was never a discussion of how I would get it or who I would get it from."
1:04 pm
'No price can be put on life'
Riley: "Were there any discussions about the money on Saturday?"
Mbolombo: "Correct."
Riley: "Whom?"
Mbolombo: "Me and Zola. As we were having this conversation, he informed me that he will place the money in the cubbyhole. At the time when all of this happened, I was in financial problems, so we were not thinking how precious a person's life was.
"In my language, there is a saying that no price can be put on a life. We fell into this trap because we were thinking about money, not how precious a life is."
1:06 pm
Where is Zola?
Mbolombo: "Zola was to meet with Abongile to give them the money but they could not meet. We then had this conversation about where he'd leave the money. I then told him that these people were looking for gloves, and if he got it.
"He didn't understand so I asked him, if he knows the gloves used at the hair salon/doctor. That's where we left it.
"Then I'm not sure if Abongile called me or I called him. He asked me where is this man called Zola. It's 7.30pm, where is he. I called Zola. He said the reason his phone was off was because he was with the couple at the time."
1:11 pm
Driver and husband will be taken out of car
Mbolombo: "I said please try to call Abongile because he is looking for you. I then called Abongile and told him I managed to get hold of Zola.
"The reason his phone was off was because he was with the couple. He said they were in Gugulethu. I then got a call from Zola. He said they are leaving the restaurant now, going to Gugulethu.
"I just knew in Gugulethu, (not specifics.) I then wanted to know how are these people going to do this?
"He said as these people are coming, we will take them, take the vehicle to Khayelitsha. The person we will take out of the car is Zola and the husband. The person we will drive with, is the wife."
1:14 pm
The last call before the kill
Riley: "What time was this conversation with Abongile?"
Mbolombo: "It was after 9, approaching 10pm. I did not know exactly where in Khayelitsha this would take place. I just knew in Khayelitsha, then they'd wash the vehicle.
"That time came. That was the last call. I said I'm about to do the banking and you guys are disturbing me. We will chat another time. I was assuming (that the job was done)."
1:18 pm
'I wanted my share too'
Mbolombo: "I couldn't get hold of him. His phone was just on voicemail. I can't remember if I called Abongile or Abongile called me, but Abongile arrived at my house at around past 10am
"I didn't know if it happened. I was playing music on the TV. Abongile said to me that the money Zola gave us was short R5,000.
"He was angry. I want to make it clear to the court, at the time I wanted my share as well.
"But Abongile was so angry, I didn't ask. I told him I don't know where Zola is, his phone is off.
"He said don't ask a lot of questions. Didn't you see on TV what happened? There were police all over the place."
1:23 pm
Seeing the killing in the papers
Mbolombo: "I said I didn't see. He said if you see Zola, tell him I want my R5,000. The following day, I went to work.
"I was on the early shift 6am to 3pm. When you get to the desk, the newspapers, Cape Times and Cape Argus are there.
"I passed the papers. Didn't look at them. At the bar, is a table with a plasma and as I looked, all I could see was Zola's car.
"After I saw that car, it came to me that this thing really happened. I then got worried, because I knew very well the contribution I had in that. I moved from the bar to my desk.
"SI tried to take the newspaper - there was nothing other than the tragic incident. I couldn't take the newspaper."
1:25 pm
Called by Tongo during South Africa v USA
Mbolombo: "I assumed that they had really killed the lady who had to be killed.
"I spoke to Zola on Wednesday, November 17 2010."
Riley: "Why do you remember that date?"
Mbolombo: "We received tickets to the game between South Africa and the USA. I was preparing to watch the game."
1:28 pm
These people are dangerous
Mbolombo: "He said to me that he's calling from his girlfriend's phone. He said the police asked him what happened but he lied. He said he'll call again when he comes back.
"After I spoke to Zola, there was contact between me and Abongile. I'm not sure if he called me or I sent a please call me. There's something I forgot, before I get there [Abongile] said, Monde, get away from those ppl, they're very dangerous
Riley: "Did you receive any payment?"
Mbolombo: "I did not."
1:43 pm
Cross examination begins
Defence lawyer Van Zyl: "All that happened in the first phone call, you told him about a job, someone had to be killed and he'd be paid."
Mbolombo rehashes his story of the phone calls to Abongile on Friday.
Van Zyl: "Was there any arrangement for Zola to call Abongile later that day?"
Mbolombo: "The arrangement was that we would meet."
1:50 pm
Discussions before killing
Van Zyl: "Was an arrangement made between the three of you that you would meet sometime? Tell us about it."
Mbolombo: "No, there was no arrangement. We just mentioned that we should meet."
Van Zyl: "Zola Tongo did not speak to Abongile from the hotel with you that day, is that right? At that stage you didn't know if he was really going to do it. He still wanted to discuss. Is that right?"
1:52 pm
Payment arranged
Mbolombo: "Yes he didn't know, because even Abongile changed when he heard the price."
Van Zyl: "Tell us about the R5,000 you wanted.
Mbolombo: "When I heard the price that Zola gave Abongile, I said then I also want.
"We never discussed how I was going to get it, from who I was going to get it or when."
Judge Traverso: "Were you going to get it?"
Mbolombo: "Yes I was."
1:55 pm
Court adjourns until tomorrow
Van Zyl: "R5,000 is quite a lot of money."
Mbolombo: "I agree."
Van Zyl: "So you mention to Zola you want just R5,000. Did you not discuss how?"
Mbolombo: "We didn't discuss [that]."
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 06, 2014, 05:12:26 PM
Nov 06, 2014 09:38 By Jane Flanagan
Dewani was framed for his wife's murder when a kidnap and ransom plan went wrong, his trial has heard
Newly released CCTV footage shows accused businessman Shrien Dewani meeting with the taxi driver convicted of his wife's killing, the day after her death.
The clip, released yesterday, shows Dewani and Zola Tongo meeting on the terrace of the Cape Grace on the morning after the fatal carjacking. The footage was presented to the 34-year-old Bristol millionaire's trial in South Africa.
Shrien Dewani meeting Zola Tongo CCTV Footage: New camera footage shows Shrien Dewani meeting Zola Tongo the morning after Anni was murdered
Dewani is seen talking to Tongo - in the bottom left of the clip - in the hotel the couple had been staying in. A cleaner can then be seen entering the frame to the bottom right, and talk to Dewani.
Tongo told the court yesterday that Dewani asked the cleaner to give them some privacy, and once he left asked the driver 'if the job was done'. This is allegedly a reference to whether his wife had been killed in a pre-arranged 'hit'.
The driver claims he warned Dewani during the conversation that there were cameras pointed at them. At this point Dewani can be seen looking up at the camera then quickly looking away.
Shrien Dewani meeting Zola Tongo Look Up: Tongo claims he told Dewani there was a camera watching them, prompting the businessman to look up
The accused businessman claims this was an innocent conversation and that at this stage he did not know his wife was dead. He also denies knowing anything about a plot to kill his new bride.
There is no sound on any of the clips being shown to the court, so there is no way to prove what was said during these exchanges.
Yesterday the defence claimed that Dewani was framed for the murder of his wife by his driver and the two hitmen who carried out the killling.
Dewani’s senior lawyer told the court that a convicted murderer would be called as a witness to describe how Zola Tongo boasted of making Dewani a scapegoat when his new bride, Anni was killed by mistake.
Final Footsteps: Other CCTV from the hotel shows the couple walking arm in arm
Tongo, the state’s ‘star witness’ against Dewani, told the ‘lifer’ that a plan to kidnap Mrs Dewani and demand a ransom from her wealthy husband ended in murder when one of her two kidnappers attempted to rape her, the court heard.
The Swedish engineer fought off her attacker and was killed when a gun went off as her two attackers fought, defence lawyer Francois van Zyl said.
With the unplanned death of the honeymooning bride on their hands, Tongo’s first idea was to blackmail 34-year-old Dewani, but this was scrapped in favour of framing him for her murder, Cape Town’s high court heard.
On Trial: Dewani's defence team claims he is being framed for the killing of his new bride Anni
After seven days on the stand, Tongo finally finished giving his evidence to the trial yesterday.
The next witness was police officer Captain Vinesh Lutchman, who has returned to the stand this morning.
Dewani denies five charges, including murder and kidnapping.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on November 07, 2014, 08:42:09 PM
After a week of harping on minor discrepancies and trivial inconsistencies in Tongo's statements, Dewani's lawyer ultimately were not able to demonstrate anything more than Tongo is no more likely than anyone else to have perfect recall.
No significant contradictions were uncovered that might suggest Tongo's account of Dewani soliciting him for murder is anything but the basic truth of the matter.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 07, 2014, 09:07:01 PM
After a week of harping on minor discrepancies and trivial inconsistencies in Tongo's statements, Dewani's lawyer ultimately were not able to demonstrate anything more than Tongo is no more likely than anyone else to have perfect recall.
No significant contradictions were uncovered that might suggest Tongo's account of Dewani soliciting him for murder is anything but the basic truth of the matter.
Yes Lane, It has been a strange week. Yesterdays CCTV disclosure in court was an eye opener though. It certainly was a strange time to be talking to a taxi driver privately and should have been a traumatic time for him. I wonder if this cellmate was truthful? Tongo was getting angry at times and repeatedly said that Dewani's defence was all lies. Anyone or almost anyone can be bought, so difficult to fathom what was going on really.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on November 08, 2014, 12:55:45 AM
...Yesterdays CCTV disclosure in court was an eye opener...
That's a good description. In fact, it was LITERALLY an eye opener for Shrien Dewani. Look at 2:51 of the video and notice how wide eyed he gets when Tongo informs him there's a CCTV in the room. From his body language, it looks like he's about to bolt, then thinks better of it and suddenly stops stiff and tries to appear casual.
Where have you seen that kind of expression and body language before? That's right, when you walk into the kitchen and catch your child with their hand in the cookie jar.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on November 08, 2014, 08:36:50 PM
First of all can I thank Anna again for posting the transcripts and the video links. I must admit I haven't been able to keep up with proceedings so thanks to posters for their updates.
Can I ask anyone who is following the case in its entirety what they think of the evidence so far?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 09, 2014, 01:03:54 PM
First of all can I thank Anna again for posting the transcripts and the video links. I must admit I haven't been able to keep up with proceedings so thanks to posters for their updates.
Can I ask anyone who is following the case in its entirety what they think of the evidence so far?
You are welcome John, but I am having difficulty copying the data with this new LT
I will endeavour to do quick run through of the trial highlights. I hope any corrections will be made, where I am wrong.
I can not yet commit myself to express what I feel as it is still early days. There is nothing much worth mentioning before Tonga took the stand Last week or week before? it was reported that Dewani’s lawyer thought that Dewani would walk free. There has been lot of evidence since then that is damning IMO.
I think that Tonga’s evidence was very revealing and it does sway my opinion away from previous doubts. Tonga was adamant that the defence accounts were all lies, which he said repeatedly. Because of the time that has passed a few details were unclear to him...but I thought irrelevant in the big picture of things. A repeat of Pistorius tactics by the defence, I fear.
Cousin of Anni says that she was uncomfortable with Dewani and wanted a divorce. She had thrown her engagemaent ring back at him during a disagreement over wedding plans
Bisexual? The Judge proved to be disinterested in the sexual persuasion of dewani and the meeting for such that occurred before their marriage. The male prostitute only proved that Dewani was not purely heterosexual
Qwaba Says that it was a hijack that went wrong and the gun went off by accident….A bit muddled, but the man was very sick.
Tonga The Taxi driver Tonga, said that he had not told the truth in his first statement to police He still insists that Dewani paid him to set up the killing and is repeatedly calling Dewani a liar “All lies” he says.
The defence was calling Tonga a liar and also say that he was setting up Dewani to take the blame.
Defence say that the bag Given to Tonga (shown on CCTV) contained a Thank you card, because Dewani had requested that he set up a helicopter ride as a surprise for Annie.
Tonga said he didn’t know any pilots, so how could he arrange a helicopter flight.
Defence say that Tonga carried the bag as if there was something in it, despite Tonga, having put the the money in his pocket and suggested it was the card that Dewani had given him.
Tomba said that there was no card in the bag and it was just a stiff plastic bag.
The Judge had to ask Tonga to calm down and understood his frustration at the defence questioning
A video was shown as you will see, on previous page of Dewani talking to Tonga on the morning after Annie was killed. Tonga said that he wanted to know if the job was done,,,,,,, Dewani asked a cleaner to leave and give them privacy Dewani is looking round to see if anyone else is in the room and Tonga says that he told him there is a camera in the room. He looks up freezes……………See the video on previous page.
Police Police witness said that he had a thank you card, but not money as was suggested by defence. He said Dewani refused a counsellor because he could smell alcohol The police officer said…. “but he is a priest” He also said that Dewani had said nothing about a helicopter trip.
There is some dispute about who hid the ring in the taxi. According to the police officer.
Middle man The middle man …Hotel receptionist For his evidence he will be given (indemnity), but the Judge is not happy with this arrangement.
The middle man said that Tonga contacted him and said Dewani wanted his partner killed and he needed help with a hitman etc.
The middleman wanted to know how it would be done. He was not directly involved in the killing, but needed the money. He introduced Tonga to the hit man. Qwabe…….The one who died.
He was muddled when questioned and asked for a rest ……….Then he wept.
MItchell. A prisoner serving time in prison with Tonga has testified after informing the Dewani lawyer, that the murderer told him that it was a kidnapping gone wrong and ended up being a murder.
Tonga said it was nothing, but prison talk ----------------------------------------------
This is as I remember, but if you are reading and find a detail incorrect I would appreciate corrections and adding of any detail of importance that is missed.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 09, 2014, 02:11:49 PM
First of all can I thank Anna again for posting the transcripts and the video links. I must admit I haven't been able to keep up with proceedings so thanks to posters for their updates.
Can I ask anyone who is following the case in its entirety what they think of the evidence so far?
Yes thank you again Anna for all the updates.
I haven't spent the time necessary to come to a firm conclusion but on the surface I think the case against SD seems weak. In fact I see many similarities with JB's case so perhaps you will not want to rely on my views!
I struggle to comprehend a chartered accountant by profession arriving in a country he seems to have no prior connection with, or contacts in, and arranges his new wife's murder via a chance meeting with a taxi driver. The sum agreed was something like a couple of hundred pounds. SD was known to be a perfectionistic and yet all this seems to have been arranged on the back of a fag packet. What was he expecting for circa £200? By comparison some 250k was spent on the wedding. I think it was a robbery and possibly a rape that went wrong.
I think people are swayed by SD's lifestyle. I would imagine by most peoples' standards the thought of a newly wed attractive young man, with an equally attractive young wife, continuing to get his rocks off with an overweight, balding, plain looking (politically correct word for ugly) middle aged German man for some pain and pleasure is a bit unfathomable &%+((£ Plus the continual viewing of gay sub porn. I agree with the judge though I think this is all irrelevant.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 09, 2014, 02:29:08 PM
I haven't spent the time necessary to come to a firm conclusion but on the surface I think the case against SD seems weak. In fact I see many similarities with JB's case so perhaps you will not want to rely on my views!
I struggle to comprehend a chartered accountant by profession arriving in a country he seems to have no prior connection with, or contacts in, and arranges his new wife's murder via a chance meeting with a taxi driver. The sum agreed was something like a couple of hundred pounds. SD was known to be a perfectionistic and yet all this seems to have been arranged on the back of a fag packet. What was he expecting for circa £200? By comparison some 250k was spent on the wedding. I think it was a robbery and possibly a rape that went wrong.
I think people are swayed by SD's lifestyle. I would imagine by most peoples' standards the thought of a newly wed attractive young man, with an equally attractive young wife, continuing to get his rocks off with an overweight, balding, plain looking (politically correct word for ugly) middle aged German man for some pain and pleasure is a bit unfathomable &%+((£ Plus the continual viewing of gay sub porn. I agree with the judge though I think this is all irrelevant.
Thank you Holly It is a difficult one, but the recent evidence and video, have me wondering why Dewani was meeting the Taxi driver in a Hotel the morning after her murder. I also couldn't get my head around ,him going shopping whilst Anni's body was going through a traditional ceremony with the family (except him). Why would Tongo, lie................What would he gain from saying he arranged the killing(which he had not been fully paid for)? It is complicated.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: puglove on November 09, 2014, 02:52:13 PM
I haven't spent the time necessary to come to a firm conclusion but on the surface I think the case against SD seems weak. In fact I see many similarities with JB's case so perhaps you will not want to rely on my views!
I struggle to comprehend a chartered accountant by profession arriving in a country he seems to have no prior connection with, or contacts in, and arranges his new wife's murder via a chance meeting with a taxi driver. The sum agreed was something like a couple of hundred pounds. SD was known to be a perfectionistic and yet all this seems to have been arranged on the back of a fag packet. What was he expecting for circa £200? By comparison some 250k was spent on the wedding. I think it was a robbery and possibly a rape that went wrong.
I think people are swayed by SD's lifestyle. I would imagine by most peoples' standards the thought of a newly wed attractive young man, with an equally attractive young wife, continuing to get his rocks off with an overweight, balding, plain looking (politically correct word for ugly) middle aged German man for some pain and pleasure is a bit unfathomable &%+((£ Plus the continual viewing of gay sub porn. I agree with the judge though I think this is all irrelevant.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=umDr0mPuyQc
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 09, 2014, 03:09:54 PM
OMG perhaps there's something wrong with my thinking? 8)><(
Some amazing similarities with JB's case. If SD is acquitted I'll do a thread. If he's found guilty I will keep quiet revaluate my position on JB!
May I ask what Myster's views are on this case?
Not been following it Holls, because I was so disappointed watching Pistorius get off that I expect the Dewani trial to go the same way.
And if you really think Shren Dewani's good-looking then I'm a fat balding beer-bellied gay escort!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Tim Invictus on November 10, 2014, 12:48:18 AM
Cut and dried Open and shut Banged to rights Guilty as sin There's more chance of Bamber being innocent or SAS 'Gav' actually existing than Dewani being innocent ... imho!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 10, 2014, 01:05:05 PM
Part 1
Nov 10, 2014 12:33 By Sam Adams
10:38 am
Mbolombo: 'They met to discuss how she was going to be killed"
The scene where Anni Dewani was murdered in Cape Town, South Africa (Pic: Getty) The scene where Anni Dewani was murdered in Cape Town, South Africa (Pic: Getty)
Van Zyl asks Mbolombo whether he arranged a time for his meeting with Qwabe.
He replies that he didn't.
Van Zyl: "Why did you text Qwabe shortly after this call?"
Mbolombo said he was telling him that Zola Tongo "said he will be on his way to Khayelitsha and asked if Zola told him."
Van Zyl: "What did he say?
Mbolombo: "He said Zola hadn't told him yet. I said that we must meet but I have to go to work late afternoon."
Van Zyl asks why he said "we must meet?"
Mbolombo: "Because Zola and Abongile [Qwabe] didn't know each other and I had to introduce them.
Van Zyl asks Mbolombo what was going to be discussed?
Mbolombo: "I think the manner in which the later would be killed."
10:09 am
Mbolombo: 'They wanted gloves so their fingerprints didn't get on vehicle'
Van Zyl questions Mbolombo over he alleged knowledge of a motor vehicle.
Mbolombo said that no-one told him about a motor vehicle "other than Abongile [killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe] saying they need gloves so that their fingerprints were not on the vehicle."
Van Zyl said that means that Qwabe knew there was going to be a vehicle involved.
Mbolombo: "I'd say that."
Van Zyl said: "Did you ask him?"
Mbolombo replies that he didn't ask him.
Van Zyl: "You see Tongo says at that time he didn't know what was going to happen, that the person had to be killed."
Mbolombo replied that what Tongo said, "was said on his behalf, and I won't answer to that."
Mbolombo said "I am answering on my behalf."
9:54 am
Van Zyl: 'Did you know it was going to be a hijacking?'
Trial: Dewani and Anni had only been married a few weeks when she was killed
Van Zyl is pressing Mbolombo over his alleged role in the planning of Anni's murder.
He asks Mbolombo whether he knew there was going to be a hijacking?
Mbolombo replies: "I knew when Zola came to fetch me at work."
VZ: "We're talking about 10:30 that morning."
Mbolombo said that he didn't know at that point.
Van Zyl: "Mr Mbolombo, how was this woman going to be killed. What did you know at 10:30 that morning."
Mbolombo said he knew that Abongile "and others wanted gloves to hide their fingerprints. That's what I knew. "
9:43 am
Mbolombo 'they needed gloves to hide fingerprints'
Gunman: Qwabe (left), Dewani (top right) and Anni
Mbolombo is discussing meeting with Zola Tongo in Khayelitsha township.
He said he knew Zola was coming to meet "and they needed gloves to hide fingerprints."
Van Zyl: "Did you know it was going to be a hijacking?"
MM: "I knew when Zola came to fetch me at work."
VZ: "We're talking about 10:30 that morning.
MM: I didn't know then."
Mbolombo repeated that what he knew was that 'Abongile' and others wanted gloves to hide their fingerprints.
9:28 am
Van Zyl questions Mbolombo about texts he sent to Qwabe
Millionaire Shrien Dewani Marriage: Shrien with his wife Anni, 28. She was murdered as the couple honeymooned in South Africa
Defence barrister Van Zyl is questioning Mbolombo about a text conversation he had with Qwabe.
He asks Mbolombo whether he remembers the conversation.
Mbolombo: "Those are call back messages."
Van Zyl: "And then Qwabe calls you and spoke for 51 secs. Is it during this call that he asked you for gloves?"
Mbolombo: "I'd say that."
Van Zyl said that "means he wanted at least two pairs of gloves, I presume."
Mbolombo said he was sure about that but I know they wanted gloves.
Van Zyl: "You say they. Who are they?
Mbolombo replies that he was referring to Qwabe.
Van Zyl asks why Mbolombo would refer to Qwabe as 'they?'
Mbolombo: "Let's just say it's the manner in which I spoke."
9:19 am
Mbolombo: 'The gloves were to hide the fingerprints'
Noble/Draper The taxi that Anni Dewani was shot dead inside in 2010
Killing: Taxi Anni Dewani was shot dead inside
Mbolombo said he was having a conversation with Zola Tongo.
Mbolombo: "I just cannot remember the time. I was telling Tongo what Abongile said that you must look for gloves.
"The gloves were going to be used to hide fingerprints."
Van Zyl asks Mbolombo what Tongo said in response to this.
Mbolombo: "He said he was going to try."
Van Zyl: "This phone call was made at 16:02. Would you agree with that?"
Mbolombo: "I agree."
Van Zyl said: "Let's call it 4pm. When did Qwabe ask you about gloves?"
MM: "He asked me about that in the morning at about 10:30."
9:05 am
Van Zyl grills Mbolombo over Tongo
PA Mziwamadoda Qwabe
Mziwamadoda Qwabe: One of the men convicted of murdering Anni
Van Zyl is continuing to grill Mbolombo.
He is asking Mbolombo about an alleged conversation he had with Zola Tongo.
Van Zyl: "You told the court that Saturday in the car, Mr Tongo told you that this is not the first time he did this in South Africa.
"And it should look like a hijacking. You remember this?"
Mbolombo replies that this is correct.
Van Zyl asks whether this was before or after the call he received from the accused to which he said "I'm on my way".
Mbolombo said it was "before Zola received that call."
Van Zyl asks Mbolombo whether he is very sure of this "because Mr Tongo didn't tell the court that in evidence."
Mbolombo: "It's pretty clear he didn't tell the truth.
VZ: "The accused has never been in the country before."
Mbolombo: "I'm just saying something that I was told by Tongo."
8:47 am
Van Zyl: 'So you just made the name Abongile up?'
Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru one of the main prosecution witnesses. Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru, who is one of the main prosecution witnesses
Mbolombo is still on the stand being questioned by defence barrister Van Zyl about his use of the name Abongile for Qwabe:
Van Zyl says to Mbolombo: "You used the name, you had to stick to it right through?
Mbolombo: "It's not like that, My Lady.
Van Zyl: "So it was just a name you made up? That's the name you gave police and the name you used.
Mbolombo said that is correct.
Van Zyl asks him whether there is any reason "why you kept on using that name even though his name is Mziwamadoda Qwabe?"
Mbolombo: "There is no particular reason for keeping on with that name, but since I started using it, I continued using it."
8:36 am
Van Zyl: 'Were you trying to protect Qwabe?'
Shrien Dewani and Zola Tongo Trial: Shrien Dewani and Zola Tongo
Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl is continuing to question Mbolombo about his use of the name Abongile during his evidence.
Van Zyl: "You told the police that after your discussion with Tongo, you gave the number of "someone I know as Abongile."
MM: "That is correct."
VZ: "When you told the police that, was that not an attempt on your part to protect Qwabe?"
8:27 am
Judge: 'So you made his name up'
Gunman: Qwabe (left), Dewani (top right) and Anni
Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl is still grilling Monde Mbolombo.
VZ: But why not call him by his real name?
MM: Since I used his name in the first statement, Abongile, and when I referred in court, they asked me. I said yes.
Judge Jeanette Traverso: Where did you get the name Abongile from? Is it something you made up?
MM: Since it was some time since the two of us met, there was a certain guy, I didn't remember his name so I added an 'A' to save his number.
Traverso: So you made it up?
MM: Yes.
8:12 am
Mbolombo is back on the stand
Mbolombo is back on the stand.
Leigh-Anne Jansen reports from court:
Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl (VZ) said: "Just a few loose ends, when you made your first statement to police, you referred to Qwabe as Abongile.
Mbolombo: "That's correct.
VZ: "And you called him Abongile in all your statements.
MM: "Correct.
VZ: "Qwabe says he's never been called Abongile. He doesn't know the name.
MM: "When I met him at the beach, it was a long time since we saw each other, so I didn't want to ask him what his real name is.
8:01 am
Mbolombo 'warned to tell truth'
Gallo Images / Barcroft Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court
Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court
Mbolombo, who was given indemnity against prosecution during a previous trial connected to Anni's death, when the now deceased Xolile Mngeni was convicted of Anni's murder.
Mngeni died two weeks ago while serving 18 years for his part in the killing.
But Judge Jeanette Traverso said she was not convinced that that necessarily applies to every matter in Dewani's trial.
The witness was warned he would have to be truthful and convincing in his evidence, otherwise he may face serious charges.
As such, he admitted lying previously, both during earlier statements and the Mngeni trial.
7:42 am
Mbolombo revealed conversation with killer
Shrien and Anna Dewani CCTV footage from hotel released in 2012 Shrien and Anna Dewani CCTV footage from hotel released in 2012
Mbolombo told the court that it was he who connected the driver with one of the killers, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who he referred to as Abongile. Qwabe pleaded guilty to her murder in August 2012 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Describing a conversation the pair had at the hotel he worked at, he said: "I said to him there's a guy here, Zola, who is looking for someone to do a job. He enquired what kind of job.
"I said he is looking for a hitman. Zola was at reception. There were people at reception who understood Xhosa, and because this conversation relates to a hitman, I didn't want them to hear.
"I called Abongile because I thought of the conversation at the beach and people he was with. I didn't expect that he would do the job himself."
7:28 am
Mbolombo 'discussed money for alleged hit'
Case: Dewani (left) and Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru (right)
Last week the Dewani Mbolombo told the hearing in Cape Town that he had been promised a share of the 15,000 rand (roughly £850) Dewani allegedly paid for the hit, and that he had discussed the money with Tongo before hand.
Answering questions yesterday, Mbolombo said: "As we were having this conversation, he informed me that he will place the money in the cubbyhole [of the couple's taxi].
"At the time when all of this happened, I was in financial problems, so we were not thinking how precious a person's life was.
"In my language, there is a saying that no price can be put on a life. We fell into this trap because we were thinking about money, not how precious a life is."
7:14 am
Monde Mbolombo to take the stand
PA CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo on the phone to Zola Tongo, as the the BBC programme investigates the death of 28-year-old Anni Dewani
Footage: CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo allegedly on the phone to Zola Tongo on the BBC's Panorama programme
The middle-man accused of helping arrange the murder of honeymoon bride Anni Dewani broke down in tears under questioning today.
Monde Mbolombo, the man accused of finding hit men to kill Anni in South Africa, was on the stand during Shrien Dewani's trial for the second day.
While being cross examined by defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl, Mbolombo told the judge he was 'tired' and becoming confused.
Mbolombo is giving evidence under the threat of further prosecution for his role in the killing despite previously having been given idenmnity.
7:02 am
Trial continues this morning
The trial of British honeymoon murder suspect businessman Shrien Dewani continues today.
Today in Western Cape High Court is due to feature the cross-examination of a hotel receptionist who played a role in the murder of Dewani's wife Anni Hindocha
Dewani's lawyer Francois van Zyl started cross-examining Monde Mbolombo, on Friday.
Mbolombo admitted last week that he had lied about various details in his previous statements and testimony.
Dewani is accused of plotting the murder of Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010.
She was shot dead when their car was ambushed in Cape Town.
Shrien returned to the UK following the tragedy but was extradited to face charges of orchestrating her killing.
He has pleaded not guilty to the five counts against him, maintaining that the couple were the victims of a hijacking on November 13, 2010.
Anni's body was found in an abandoned shuttle taxi in Khayelitsha the following day.
The State alleges Dewani paid R15 000 to arrange the hijacking and murder.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on November 10, 2014, 01:24:54 PM
Many thanks again for the brief summary of the case Anna.
What strikes me is that if it had simply been a hijacking gone wrong there would not be all these characters involved with Dewani. And furthermore, had Dewani agreed at the outset to face the issues head-on instead of deliberately obstructing the South African authorities I would have considered the case at least suspicious. As it is I feel he does have a case to answer.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 10, 2014, 02:23:15 PM
Shrien Dewani trial: Live updates from court as honeymoon murder case continues
Nov 10, 2014 13:59 By Sam Adams
The British millionaire is on trial accused of plotting the murder of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010
1:59 pm
Mbolombo: 'Dewani knew everything from start to finish'
Defence barrister Francois Van Zyl is continuing to cross examine Monde Mbolombo.
He asks Mbolombo whether Tongo had told him they would hijack the car and drop Shrien Dewani and Anni?
Mbolombo: "Not in the car. It was Saturday evening. I don't know what time."
Van Zyl said he had information that there was an idea between all of the plotters "excluding Mr Dewani" to take this Anni for ransom.
Mbolombo said "it was not like that at all."
Van Zyl said Shrien Dewani "will say he was not involved in a conspiracy to kill his wife."
Mbolombo replied that he wanted to also tell the court that Dewani is lying.
"He knows everything from start to finish."
1:36 pm
Van Zyl: 'You knew the lady would be killed'
Trial: Dewani and Anni had only been married a few weeks when she was killed
Defence barrister Van Zyl asks whether Mbolombo tried to find out if the killing had taken place.
Molombo said he tried to make contact on the Sunday.
Van Zyl said: "I'm talking about Saturday night. You knew the lady would be killed."
Mbolombo said he doesn't deny that.
Van Zyl asks him if anyone had reported to him whether the operation had been a "success."
Mbolombo said "no." He said he did not try to find out on the Saturday evening, even though he wanted to know what had happened.
Molombo told the court that he had agreed that if the police asked him any questions he would say "I don't know."
When asked whether he had discussed placing the blame on Shrien Dewani he said no.
Van Zyl asks him whether he had anything to do with the arrangements to have the Anni Dewani killed?
Mbolombo: "That's correct, because Tongo told me."
1:12 pm
Van Zyl to Mbolombo: 'You were very much in charge'
Getty Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court
Trial: Shrien Dewani is on trial for murder in Cape Town
Shrien Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl puts it to Mbolombo that he knew that on Saturday afternoon (November 13, 2010) the car Shrien Dewani and Anni were travelling in would be hijacked and a woman taken and killed.
Van Zyl disputes Mbolombo's story that he had spoken by phone with taxi driver Zola Tongo while Tongo was in a restaurant with the Dewanis.
Mbolomo replies that what he said "in relation to time is the truth."
Van Zyl said: "What I am saying is that you, sir, were very much in charge."
Mbolombo agrees with him.
12:33 pm
Van Zyl quizzed Mbolombo about the day of the murder
Enterprise news and pictures Anni Dewani
Shooting: Shrien Dewani is on trial accused of murdering wife Anni Dewani (pictured)
Van Zyl is quizzing Mbolombo about the day of the murder.
Van Zyl: "Can you tell the court, the call when [taxi driver Zola Tongo] told you he's with the couple [Shrien and Anni Dewani] at the restaurant. When was that call made?"
Mbolombo said it was late in the evening and that he couldn't remember the exact time.
Van Zyl: "I do not see a call where you called Tongo other than [6.38pm] where he could explain he's sitting at a table with the couple."
Mbolomo said he did receive a call where Tongo told him that.
"I'm not sure if he made the call or I made the call," Mbolombo said.
12:19 pm
Mbolombo: 'We were talking about planning to kill this woman'
PA Mziwamadoda Qwabe
Mziwamadoda Qwabe: One of the men convicted of murdering Anni
Shrien Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl resumes his cross-examination of state witness Monde Mbolombo.
Mbolombo admitted before lunch that he had made efforts to ensure the killing went ahead.
Van Zyl asks him what was said during the phone calls between him and convicted killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe.
Mbolombo: "As I mentioned, I won't be able to say exactly what was said, but it was about the planning to kill this woman."
Addressing Mbolombo, Judge Jeannette Traverso said: "the very first day you took the stand, I put it to you that you decided to take a leading role in this.
"You said yes you took a leading role. Did you maintain this leading role throughout?"
Mbolombo said that this was correct.
Van Zyl said the calls confirm that Mbolombo had a leading role in the plot.
"I don't dispute that," Mbolombo said.
11:53 am
Mbolombo: 'It was a matter of MUST that it happened that Saturday'
Mbolombo said what he knew was that "it was a matter of MUST - that it [the killing] had to happen that Saturday."
Traverso: "I'm going to ask you the last time. Who said it was a matter of must?"
"Tongo," Mbolombo replied.
Referring to a phone call between Mbolombo and Qwabe, Van Zyl said: "It's that thing we talked about, it must happen today."
Van Zyl: "What were you referring to?"
Mbolombo: "What I was saying is this lady had to be killed on that day, Saturday."
Van Zyl asked Molombo why he said that to Qwabe at that time.
Molombo: "Maybe he had doubts, that's why."
Shrien Dewani's trial continues.
11:51 am
Recap on this morning's session
The alleged 'link man' in the plot to murder Anni Dewani has told a court how he made sure the killing took place.
Former hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo made the chilling admission this morning during the ongoing trial of British millionaire Shrien Dewani.
Dewani is accused of plotting the murder of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. She was shot dead when their car was ambushed in Cape Town.
Three men, taxi driver Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni, 23, were jailed for Anni's murder.
Mbolombo struck a deal with prosecutors in the cases of others involved in the plot.
PA CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo on the phone to Zola Tongo, as the the BBC programme investigates the death of 28-year-old Anni Dewani
Under cross-examination this morning by Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl, Mbolombo detailed his conversation with Tongo, about the plan to kill Anni.
Mbolombo: "That's what I asked him long ago, on the way to my work. I asked him why it was necessary that it happens that night."
Mbolombo said he told Tongo it must happen on Saturday.
Van Zyl tells Mbolombo that this suggests he was "taking control" of the plot. "You were giving instructions," he said.
Mbolombo agreed with this and said "I was making sure the job was done. Since there was money to be received, I wanted to make sure it happened."
Judge Jeanette Traverso asked Mbolombo whether he was only going to get money after it happened?
Mbolombo said what he knew was that "it was a matter of MUST - that it had to happen that Saturday."
Traverso: "I'm going to ask you the last time. Who said it was a matter of must?"
"Tongo," Mbolombo replied.
11:11 am
Van Zyl: 'You were taking control here, giving instructions'
Shrien Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl continued to grill state witness Mbolombo before lunch.
He asked Mbolombo when he discussed Anni's murder with Tongo?
Mbolombo: "That's what I asked him long ago, on the way to my work. I asked him why it was necessary that it happens that night."
Van Zyl: "In the car, that Saturday afternoon, sir, Tongo was explaining to you, I presume that there was going to be a false hijacking that night. Did he say what time?"
Mbolombo said he told Tongo it must happen on Saturday.
Van Zyl tells Mbolombo that he was "taking control here. You were giving instructions."
Mbolombo agreed with this and said "I was making sure the job was done."
"Since there was money to be received, I wanted to make sure it happened."
Judge Traverso asked whether he was only going to get money after it happened?
Mbolombo said what he knew was that "it was a matter of MUST, that it had to happen that Saturday."
Traverso: "I'm going to ask you the last time. Who said it was a matter of must?"
Mbolombo: "Tongo."
Traverso: When?
Mbolombo: "When we were driving to my work, My Lady."
11:01 am
Mbolombo: 'I said this lady had to be killed on Saturday'
Holiday: Shrien and Anni Dewani at their hotel
Mbolombo has been questioned by Van Zyl on his alleged role in the planning of Anni's murder.
Referring to his contact with Zola Tongo and Qwabe - Van Zyl said: "Your contact was mainly driven by curiosity. That right?
Mbolombo said that is correct.
Referring to a phone call between Mbolombo and Qwabe, Van Zyl said: "It's that thing we talked about, it must happen today."
Van Zyl: "What were you referring to?"
Mbolombo: "What I was saying is this lady had to be killed on that day, Saturday."
Van Zyl asked Molombo why he said that to Qwabe at that time.
Molombo: "Maybe he had doubts, that's why."
Van Zyl: "But you were not involved in the arrangements, as I understand you. That was between Qwabe and Tongo, right?
Mbolombo said that is correct.
Van Zyl asked Mbolombo why he told Qwabe "at about 21:30" that the job had to be done?
Mbolombo said this is what was discussed between him and Tongo.
"He told me that this must happen that Saturday night."
10:42 am
Lunchtime recap part 2
Mbolombo replied: "I excluded whatever involved me."
Care home tycoon Dewani, 34, from Westbury-on-Trym, is on trial for allegedly plotting with Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and gunman Xolile Mngeni to kill Anni while they were on their honeymoon.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.
He claims the couple were hijacked as Tongo was driving them through Gugulethu in his minibus on Saturday November 13. He was released unharmed and Anni was driven away. She was found shot dead in the abandoned minibus in Khayelitsha the next morning.
Tongo is serving an 18-year jail term while Qwabe is part-way through a 25-year sentence for their roles in the murder. Mngeni was serving life in jail for firing the shot that killed Anni but died in prison from a brain tumour on October 18.
Prosecutors claim Dewani conspired with others to stage the hijacking, offering them 15,000 rand - less than £1,000 at the 2010 exchange rate.
But Dewani maintains that Tongo helped him organise a surprise helicopter trip for Anni for 15,000 rand and that he knew nothing about his wife's planned kidnap and murder.
Dewani denies all charges.
The trial, which is listed to last until mid-December, continues.
10:40 am
Lunchtime recap part 1
PA CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo on the phone to Zola Tongo, as the the BBC programme investigates the death of 28-year-old Anni Dewani
Footage: CCTV still of Monde Mbolombo allegedly on the phone to Zola Tongo on the BBC's Panorama programme
A hotel receptionist dubbed "the link man" in a plot to murder the wife of a millionaire from the Bristol area on their honeymoon has admitted inconsistencies in his evidence to a South African court.
Monde Mbolombo admitted he attempted to "protect himself" when giving varied accounts about apparent "hit money" involved in the death of Anni Dewani, 28, in a rough suburb of Cape Town in November 2010.
Mbolombo was told that he may no longer be immune from prosecution, having struck a deal with prosecutors in the cases of others involved in the plot.
Three men have already been convicted. Bristol-based entrepreneur Shrien Dewani is currently on trial for the murder.
Mbolombo told Western Cape High Court he would give the whole truth during this testimony after admitting he had lied in two statements and in previous disclosures to minimise his role in Anni's murder.
During his evidence-in-chief on Thursday he said he spoke to his accomplice, shuttle taxi driver Zola Tongo, about the possibility of a 5000 rand (£280) commission.
Defence counsel Francois van Zyl asked why this was not mentioned in his third statement which he gave in September this year, and which was said to be the "correct" one.
Mbolombo said it must have slipped his mind and that he had attempted to protect himself at the time.
Mr van Zyl asked: "Isn't the true explanation just that you are a liar?"
10:38 am
Mbolombo: 'They met to discuss how she was going to be killed"
The scene where Anni Dewani was murdered in Cape Town, South Africa (Pic: Getty) The scene where Anni Dewani was murdered in Cape Town, South Africa (Pic: Getty)
Van Zyl asks Mbolombo whether he arranged a time for his meeting with Qwabe.
He replies that he didn't.
Van Zyl: "Why did you text Qwabe shortly after this call?"
Mbolombo said he was telling him that Zola Tongo "said he will be on his way to Khayelitsha and asked if Zola told him."
Van Zyl: "What did he say?
Mbolombo: "He said Zola hadn't told him yet. I said that we must meet but I have to go to work late afternoon."
Van Zyl asks why he said "we must meet?"
Mbolombo: "Because Zola and Abongile [Qwabe] didn't know each other and I had to introduce them.
Van Zyl asks Mbolombo what was going to be discussed?
Mbolombo: "I think the manner in which the later would be killed."
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 10, 2014, 02:28:43 PM
Many thanks again for the brief summary of the case Anna.
What strikes me is that if it had simply been a hijacking gone wrong there would not be all these characters involved with Dewani. And furthermore, had Dewani agreed at the outset to face the issues head-on instead of deliberately obstructing the South African authorities I would have considered the case at least suspicious. As it is I feel he does have a case to answer.
Yes it appears that way John and the middle man says that Dewani knew all about it from start to finish...The only loophole is the Scene of the crime evidence and the taxi had not been thoroughly examined as they used a different car with slight seating differences to do measurements etc there was also a ballistic discrepency.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Amazon on November 10, 2014, 04:45:42 PM
Cut and dried Open and shut Banged to rights Guilty as sin There's more chance of Bamber being innocent or SAS 'Gav' actually existing than Dewani being innocent ... imho!
Have you been watching Tim? I won't pass judgement as to whether he is or isn't guilty but as far as I can see, unless the prosecution pull something good out of the bag, on the evidence so far, SD could be found NG without even going on the stand! He's not like Pistorius, who couldn't really avoid giving testimony. SD's version, on the face of it, is reasonably possibly true (read his plea statement). All the prosecution have really attacked it with so far is the testimony of his alleged co conspirators, who have all either been already convicted of lying in this matter or in the case of Mbolombo, has admitted during testimony here, that he lied at a previous trial, despite it being a condition of his immunity!
Yes there are some things that don't make lot of sense and there a few questions that could do with answering (like why did it take him 3 years to come up with the helicopter theory) but a bit of shifty behaviour on CCTV cameras and refusing to return to SA to stand trial does not a murderer make - well, it doesn't convict one, put it that way.
I wouldn't have returned to SA if I was accused of anything, and I have never broken the law in my life! I don't think it should be to his detriment that he didn't. Corruption is rife everywhere in SA including the CJS and justice cant be guaranteed for anyone (unless friends of Zuma lol).
More to come of course!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 10, 2014, 05:52:00 PM
News and A few reminders -------------------------
Todays news from SA
who was Anni
Anni's text messages to family
Ceremony not attended
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 11, 2014, 12:31:24 PM
Part1 Nov 11th Please Read from bottom up or you can follow live updates here- http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/shrien-dewani-trial-live-updates-4606708
10:39 am
Judge Traverso to cop: 'You knew who the glove was warn by'
PA Mziwamadoda Qwabe
Mziwamadoda Qwabe: One of the men convicted of murdering Anni
Defence barrister Francois Van Zyl is continuing to cross-examine police officer Paul Hendrickse
Van Zyl asks Hendrickse whether he entries in his diary "as to how the investigation proceeded?"
Hendrickse replies that no other entries were made in the diary.
Van Zyl refers to a glove that was sent for tests for primer residue.
Van Zyl asks Hendrickse: "You say you only became aware of the findings when the defence requested it."
Hendrickse replied that this was "an oversight."
Judge Jeanette Traverso said "A rather important oversight.
"You knew there was no dispute that the glove was worn by [convicted killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe]."
Hendrickse says yes.
10:28 am
Policeman: 'Is the state implying something underhanded was done?'
Barcroft Dewani trial
Trial: Shrien Dewani at the Western Cape High Court
Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl is cross-examining police officer Paul Hendrickse.
Van Zyl says there was an "investigation diary, that stops in March 2011."
He asks Hendrickse why it stopped in March, because investigations are ongoing [at that time].
Hendrickse replied the decision was made because "things were being leaked to the press from that docket."
The cop asks Van Zyl what he is trying to imply.
"I don't know if the state is implying that something underhanded has been done.
"If so, tell me what you're trying to imply."
10:17 am
Policeman says his Facebook account was hacked
Tragedy: Shrien Dewani (right and top left with Anni) and the taxi she was killed in (bottom left)
Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl is cross-examining police officer Paul Hendrickse.
He asks Hendrickse whether he made the following entry on his personal Facebook account after Shrien Dewani's extradition to South Africa was halted on mental health grounds.
"Mental Health Act? Human Rights? Fair trial? Are these just escape routes?"
Hendrickse replies that he does not recall making those entries.
He said it was the first time he had seen the entries, and that his Facebook page had been hacked.
He said he had now disabled it.
10:11 am
Hendrickse: 'This version of events is fabricated'
Getty Dewani trial
Case: The trial is taking place at Western Cape High Court
Police officer Paul Hendrickse is still giving evidence.
"As far as I can see, as far as the investigation goes, this version of [Shrien] Dewani is newly fabricated.
He said the evidence "would've been vital to supply to the investigating Officer, that [Zola] Tongo knew there was money and that he was arranging a helicopter trip.
Hendrickse said that in the version of events given by Mziwamadoda Qwabe "it was first alleged that Mr Dewani was involved."
9:58 am
Prosecutor: 'Dewani did not tell Anni's family that he had a meeting with taxi driver Zola Tongo'
Shrien Dewani meeting Zola Tongo Accused: Shrien Dewani meeting Zola Tongo the morning after Anni was murdered
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp is speaking.
He said Shrien Dewani has entered a plea explanation.
"In it, he says he asked Tongo to arrange a helicopter trip as a surprise for his wife."
"Tongo took [Shrien and Anni Dewani], he took R10k in cash and placed it in her handbag, etc."
Mopp said Dewani had told Anni's family "that he had no contact with Tongo subsequent to the incident and the first contact he had with Tongo, was the Saturday."
Mopp said Dewani did not tell the family that he had a meeting with Tongo, exchanged texts and contact by phone - or the trip to exchange money.
Police officer Paul Hendrickse said: "That's correct."
Hendrickse said that if he had that information right from the beginning then taxi driver Zola Tongo would have become a "suspect right from the beginning and it would've provided a motive."
Judge Jeanette Traverso asks why would this have meant Tongo becoming a suspect?
Hendrickse replies that it would have provided a motive for Tongo to extort money."
Judge Traverso asks Hendrickse whether this is because he knew Shrien Dewani had money?
Hendrickse said that is correct.
9:46 am
Hendrickse: 'Dewani became uneasy and paced up and down'
Shrien and Anna Dewani CCTV footage from hotel released in 2012 Honeymoon: CCTV footage showing Shrien and Anna in their hotel before the shooting
Paul Hendrickse said Shrien Dewani changed his version of events saying that he did not see two firearms and cannot testify as to how taxi driver Zola Tongo got out of the car.
Hendrickse said he was "a bit confused because Dewani told me specifically where to find the ring, after he said (in his statement) that he gave the rings to the attackers."
Hendrickse said he put this to Dewani and that he "became uneasy with the question and paced up and down."
9:40 am
Hendrickse: 'I could see Dewani was stressed'
CCTV captures the moment Shrien Dewani 'was told his wife had been killed' Court sees hotel CCTV
Police captain Paul Henrickse said officers "obtained footage and audio from the Protea hotel.
Hendrickse said he wanted to give Shrien Dewani to look through his statement "because I understood that he was stressed."
PH said "the teo of us were alone. We chit-chatted in the vehicle. He [Dewani] was very calm, cooperative."
"He proceeded to rectify certain things in the statement."
9:26 am
Anni Dewani: "Just because we had a Bollywood wedding... we should not pretend"
Enterprise news and pictures Anni Dewani
Tragedy: Anni Dewani (pictured) sent emails to Shrien before she died
Captain Hendrickse explained that he took a second statement from taxi driver Zola Tongo.
He said that after taking that statement the police applied for a warrant of arrest Shrien Dewani.
That same day - in January 2011 - Anni Dewani's phone was sent to Britain so that its contents could be obtained.
Through that the police were able to obtain communication between the Anni and Shrien.
Prosecutor Mopp hands in email from Anni to the accused dated 5/11/2010.
It said: "I don't want an insecure man or whose feelings aren't real. I am ready to pack and leave. This is not a joke. I can't sleep
"Because we had a Bollywood wedding doesn't mean we are Bollywood actors and should just pretend."
9:15 am
Hendrickse: 'Dewani asked why we had arrested the taxi driver?'
Trial: Dewani and Anni had only been married a few weeks when she was killed
Judge Jeanette Traverso is getting frustrated with the questioning of Prosecutor Adrian Mopp.
Traverso told Mopp "you are pushing me to the point where I will do something - this crime happened four years ago."
Paul Hendrickse said that he received a call from Shrien Dewani.
"I explained that there have been certain developments and arrests have been made," he said.
Hendrickse said he told Dewani that taxi driver Zola Tongo was arrested. He said Dewani asked "why the taxi driver?"
8:55 am
Hendrickse: 'I had concerns after taking Zola Tongo's statement'
Zola Tongo (pic: Pixel) Trial: Murderer Zola Tongo was fetched from prison to give evidence in court earlier in the trial
Police captain Paul Hendrickse is giving evidence.
He said that on the 17th November he interviewed taxi driver Zola Tongo - who was later convicted of Anni Dewani's murder.
PH said that when he took Tongo's statement, he was concerned that 1) "he was a black taxi driver who knew the locations" and secondly "that he would drive into an area at that time of night" and thirdly that "he should've known at that time of night Mzoli's [meat cafe] is closed."
He said he was also concerned that "Tongo had been pushed out the vehicle and later the accused was pushed out the vehicle and drove off with the deceased.
"I shared my concerns with Tongo," he said.
8:37 am
Hendrickse: 'I told Dewani I had found some items'
Case: Dewani (left) and Anni with her cousin Sneha Mashru (right)
Hendrickse said that during the morning of 15th November he received a phone call from Shrien Dewani to look between the stitching of the seat of the car for a wedding ring.
He said that he was later told that Xolile Mngeni - who was later convicted of Anni's murder - was identified from a palm print on the bonnet.
Hendrickse says he got in touch with Dewani that afternoon afternoon and told him he wanted to interview him.
He also told Dewani that he had recovered items from the scene.
8:29 am
State calls investigating police officer Paul Hendrickse
CCTV: Image captures the moment Shrien Dewani 'was told his wife had been killed'
The state has called its next witness, investigating police officer, Captain Paul Hendrickse.
Hendrickse arrived at the scene of the murder just after 9am.
He met Shrien Dewani for the first time at the Cape Grace hotel where he and Anni had been staying.
Hendrickse (PH): tells the court: "I proceeded to the Cape Grace hotel and interviewed the accused in this matter. I verified property stolen, cell numbers."
"The accused identified the wedding band as that of the deceased. It was an informal interview. I explained the procedure of identifying the deceased at the state mortuary."
7:51 am
Mbolombo: 'Dewani knew everything from start to finish'
Holiday: Shrien and Anni Dewani at their hotel
Court is due to recommence in half an hour.
A new witness is reportedly expected to appear and give evidence today.
Yesterday in court Judge Jeanette Traverso asked witness Monde Mbolombo whether he was only going to get money after the killing happened?
Mbolombo said what he knew was that "it was a matter of MUST - that it had to happen that Saturday."
Traverso said: "I'm going to ask you the last time. Who said it was a matter of must?"
"[Zola] Tongo," Mbolombo replied.
Referring to a phone call between Mbolombo and and convicted killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe, Dewani's defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl said: "It's that thing we talked about, it must happen today."
Van Zyl: "What were you referring to?"
Mbolombo: "What I was saying is this lady had to be killed on that day, Saturday."
Van Zyl asked Molombo why he said that to Qwabe at that time.
Mbolombo: "Maybe he had doubts, that's why."
Van Zyl said Shrien Dewani "will say he was not involved in a conspiracy to kill his wife."
Mbolombo replied that he wanted to also tell the court that Dewani is lying.
"[Shrien Dewani] knows everything from start to finish."
7:38 am
Shrien Dewani's murder trial restarts
Welcome to our live coverage of the murder trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani.
Yesterday in court in Cape Town former hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo was cross-examined by Dewani's defence lawyer.
Dewani is accused of plotting the killing of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. She was shot dead when their car was ambushed in Cape Town.
Three men, taxi driver Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni, 23, were jailed for Anni's murder.
Mbolombo struck a deal with prosecutors in the cases of others involved in the plot.
Under cross-examination by Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl, Mbolombo detailed his part in the plot to kill Anni.
Mbolombo said "I was making sure the job was done. Since there was money to be received, I wanted to make sure it happened.
Mbolombo: "What I was saying is this lady had to be killed on that day, Saturday
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 11, 2014, 02:13:22 PM
Part 2 Nov 11th
10.11 Police officer Paul Hendrickse is still giving evidence.
"As far as I can see, as far as the investigation goes, this version of [Shrien] Dewani is newly fabricated. He said the evidence "would've been vital to supply to the investigating Officer, that [Zola] Tongo knew there was money and that he was arranging a helicopter trip.
Hendrickse said that in the version of events given by Mziwamadoda Qwabe "it was first alleged that Mr Dewani was involved."
10.17 Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl is cross-examining police officer Paul Hendrickse.
He asks Hendrickse whether he made the following entry on his personal Facebook account after Shrien Dewani's extradition to South Africa was halted on mental health grounds.
"Mental Health Act? Human Rights? Fair trial? Are these just escape routes?"
Hendrickse replies that he does not recall making those entries.
He said it was the first time he had seen the entries, and that his Facebook page had been hacked.
He said he had now disabled it.
10.39 Van Zyl asks Hendrickse whether he entries in his diary "as to how the investigation proceeded?" Hendrickse replies that no other entries were made in the diary.
Van Zyl refers to a glove that was sent for tests for primer residue.
Van Zyl asks Hendrickse: "You say you only became aware of the findings when the defence requested it."
Hendrickse replied that this was "an oversight."
Judge Jeanette Traverso said "A rather important oversight.
"You knew there was no dispute that the glove was worn by [convicted killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe]."
Hendrickse says yes.
10.56 Defence barrister Francois Van Zyl is quizzing cop Paul Hendrickse about the shooting itself.
He asked Hendrickse whether he would agree that Anni Dewani had not been killed in an execution-type murder.
Hendrickse says no.
"In my view, this is not a professional person. Execution-style killings are usually well organised."
"It appears from the facts and evidence I got, they were robbed."
Hendrickse said the shooting was 'not unique for the violent society we live in in South Africa.'
He said it does not appear to have been a professional hit, but that it does not mean that it wasn't.
Van Zyl asks Hendrickse why he won't concede that the placing of the shot to Anni's neck "is not normally what one would see in execution cases."
Hendrickse says this is because the case has a "different set of merits."
Hendrickse said Shrien Dewani and Zola Tongo were let out of the taxi and then "they took the lady and killed her."
"It was not a typical execution-style shooting to the head," he said.
Defence barrister Van Zyl said Qwabe testified that Xolile Mngeni had pulled the trigger.
Van Zyl refers to the marks Anni Dewani's leg.
"Did that play a role?"
Hendrickse said he believed the marks were "purely because of the manhandling while she was being robbed."
The court has adjourned for lunch.
12.55
The trial has resumed after lunch and Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl is questioning police officer Paul Hendrickes about the evidence he gathered.
Hendrickes said Dewani had become 'uncomfortable.'
Van Zyl asked the cop whether he thought this proved Dewani's guilt?
Hendrickes said: "I'm not saying that, I just noticed a change in his demeanour."
Van Zyl is now making reference to a BBC Panorama programme which focused on CCTV footage from the Protea Hotel.
Addressing Paul Hendrickes, Van Zyl refers to attorney Tanya Lochner, who he said he had spoken to during the lunch hour.
"She told me that you said they (hitmen) did not mean to shoot her (Anni).
"They only shot because she wouldn't stop screaming."
1.05
Shrien Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl has also quizzed police officer Paul Hendrickes about Anni's ring.
He said: "The accused will further say, back in the UK, Sneha Hindocha [Anni's cousin and friend] looked in Anni's jewellery box, that the ring with the black stone was missing.
Hendrickes said "no, I don't."
Van Zyl said Shrien Dewani will will say that, that is when you [Hendrickes] wanted to take his fingerprints.
Hendrickes said this is "incorrect."
"That didn't happen,' he said.
Van Zyl said: "I'm telling you it did."
1.44
Shrien Dewani's defence barrister Francois Van Zyl questions policeman Paul Hendrickes about the apparent differences in the evidence given by Monde Mbolombo and taxi driver Zola Tongo over the shooting.
Van Zyl said: "You knew that Monde Mbolombo's statement that the wife had to be killed flies in the face of Tongo's version?
Responds That he does
Van Zyl said there is "a rumour that Mr Tongo decided to change his story. And that you, his attorney and legal officer went to see him to find out."
Hendrickes said that is correct, but that Tongo had been upset with his attorney, saying he hadn't seen him in a long while.
"He didn't want to see me or [prosecutor Shareen] Riley - [he[ said that's it, he's not testifying.
"He didn't want to see me or Miss Riley, said that's it, he's not testifying."
Trial has adjourned for the day
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 12, 2014, 12:04:33 PM
AS IT HAPPENED: Dewani judge angry with State 2014-11-12 09:52
Get all the highlights from the 20th day of Shrien Dewani's trial in the Western Cape High Court for the murder of his wife, Anni Hindocha.
LIVE NEWS FEED
Jump to bottom
Last Updated at 11:54
10:44
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So we're closing updates now after a very brief session today. It'll be back on Friday when the trial resumes. Cheers.
10:31
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Proceedings have been adjourned until Friday.
10:29
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Judge Traverso scathingly asks the State: Why are you still scurrying around for witnesses?
10:28
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Traverso:I am not going to argue with you any further. I must just express my great displeasure with the way this case is going...
10:27
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Traverso: Surely you knew this before coming to trial. Why is there no report? The police have gone on TV, on Panorama about the state's case. I'm going to grant you the indulgence but I want to know, why only now.
Mopp: We've been trying to get an expert from the police, who is competent, to talk about primer residue & what happens when a shot is fired.
10:24
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VZ says the defence does not have a report for this new witness. Mopp says there is a report in the docket but there is a new aspect the witness will be questioned on. Mopp says she has been asked to draw up a report and hand it to the State and defence.
10:23
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The state has arranged for 2 witnesses. Requests a postponement until Friday, to lead an expert witness coming from Pretoria.
10:21
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VZ: Would you agree this is banter between two people who have affection for one another, to avoid the word love? PH: yes
Traverso: Did you know about those BBMs? PH: Yes.
10:19
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Further messages reveal Anni found out the honeymoon was going to be in South Africa (it was supposed to be a surprise). SD smiles as his lawyer reads the messages.
10:18
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SD responds to Anni's Nandos message by saying he's hungry. Anni says he should call her if he wants to be picked up.
10:17
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Anni messaged SD about lunch - "mmm Nandos"
10:16
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VZ: We;ve extracted BBM messages from that phone (Anni's) for the 4 and 5 November. (records handed to the court).
10:13
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VZ: Did he deny it? PH: That's correct. In the transcripts, even his brother Preyen asks him when his last contact was.
10:13
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PH: the accused, when asked when he had communication with Tongo, he says the Saturday. Even then, he didn't say that he spoke to Tongo on that Friday. These intentions here may seem nice to us, but the investigation proves there was a phone call between M. Dewani and Mr Tongo that night. He never told us about the call, nor in the interview with (journalist) Nick Parker.
10:12
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Judge to PH: Do you concede that they were kissing and cuddling? PH: yes.
10:12
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SD is trying to compose himself in the dock, he is taking deep breaths, wipes away tears, sips water.
10:11
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The photos are taken in a bar area. Anni takes pictures of SD, then a waiter takes pictures of them both. Anni leans into SD, hand on his shoulder, as she speaks to him. SD then holds her and gives her a kiss.
10:09
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Another clip shows the couple posing for a photo, they are affectionate, look like typical honeymooners.
10:07
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VZ: Both clips are on their way back. The point is, that was some hours after, according to the state's case, he plotted to murder his wife...
10:07
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VZ: You are aware that the accused and the deceased went to Sevruga on the Friday night. PH: That's correct
10:06
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SD is said to be fighting back the tears in the courtroom.
10:05
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The 1st clip shows SD and Anni walking over the bridge outside the Cape Grace.They're hand in hand.
10:04
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Defence shows Hendrickse (PH) three clips. The first two were taken by CCTV cameras at the Cape Grace.
10:03
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09:56
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Hendrikse, will be recalled to the stand this morning, at the defence's request, tweets eNCA's Leigh-Anne Jansen. He is expected to be questioned about two or three video clips.
09:53
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Hendrickse, who led the investigation into Hindocha's murder, denied bias against her husband in the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, Sapa reports.
Francois van Zyl, for Shrien Dewani, asked Captain Paul Hendrikse whether his attitude towards his client and the investigation was fairly impartial. Hendrikse, the 15th State witness, replied yes.
The defence also criticised Hendrikse for not keeping an investigation diary and for failing to timeously follow up on the primer residue results for Qwabe's yellow kitchen glove.
The officer explained that he put all his notes and observations into statements that were available to the defence.
He said it was an "oversight" that they only obtained the primer residue results after the defence requested it from the State.
09:53
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On Tuesday, the court heard about emails sent from Anni Hindocha to Dewani, just days before her murder in Cape Town.
Captain Paul Hendrikse, the State's 15th witness, said they recovered her BlackBerry phone and sent it to the United Kingdom in January 2011 to obtain its contents. Two e-mails from the deceased to her murder-accused husband were found.
"I left my home, family and everything to be with you and three days later you say that if you knew marriages were like this, you wouldn't [have] got married. Seriously, do you want me to leave you?" she said in the first e-mail.
"It's very mean of you to tell me things you told me just after marriage.
"Then you should have told me this before. I don't want an insecure man or a man whose feelings doesn't come naturally that you have to force yourself."
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 12, 2014, 12:51:01 PM
Todays hearing was short and lacking . It was stated that time is required to bring two new witnesses to the stand, so court is adjourned until Friday. (It is in connection with ballistics)
There seems to be more evidence of the trivial than the important ,being presented and I am inclined to believe that the defence is skirting around the important facts to find fault in the investigative procedures, to achieve acquittal on Technicalities ? Just my opinion of course!
The CCTV footage shown in court,(some damning) gives a better understanding of what was happening at the time. The evidence by witnesses who say that SD lied about several things and the murder plot.
I will do a list of pointers of evidence which are positive/negative when I have more time.
A slow moving trial with many irrelevant factors and I think Dewani will walk free, unless some very strong evidence is forthcoming.
I find the following emails from Anni, tell us what was going on prior to her death. I believe that, that poor young woman, was used in the most selfish manner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The court heard that police investigating the case had obtained emails sent from Anni to Shrien.
One of the emails, dated November 5th, 2010 - just eight days before Anni was shot - read:
"I don't want an insecure man or whose feelings aren't real. I am ready to pack and leave. This is not a joke. I can't sleep."
Another read:
"Because we had a Bollywood wedding doesn't mean we are Bollywood actors and should just pretend."
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 13, 2014, 05:13:11 PM
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 14, 2014, 01:16:56 PM
Nov 14, 2014 10:12 By Sam Adams
The British millionaire is on trial accused of plotting the murder of his wife Anni during their honeymoon in South Africa in 2010 Court has adjourned until Monday.
Today's proceedings from Shrien Dewani's murder trial were short but eventful.
The prosecution called a new witness, forensics expert Colonel Thandiwe Mlabateki.
He explained how primer residue can be distributed, and where it is most likely to be found.
He was cross examined by defence lawyer Pieter Botha.
Today's questions revolved around residue found on the glove of convicted killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe.
To recap on all of today's updates scroll down:
8:25 am
Murder trial restarts
Rex Accused: Shrien Dewani is on trial accused of murdering his wife
Shrien Dewani leaves the Western Cape High Court on 10th Nov
The trial of Shrien Dewani has recommenced in Cape Town, South Africa.
Proceedings were cut short on Wednesday when the prosecution asked for the trial to be adjourned so they could call two news witnesses.
Despite this, there was still time for some dramatic evidence to be revealed.
Shrien Dewani's defence showed three CCTV clips of the married couple seemingly enjoying each other's company before the shooting.
Two of the clips were taken at the Cape Grace Hotel, on the Friday evening before Anni was killed.
The first - which is just a few seconds long - shows Shrien Dewani and Anni Dewani walking outside the hotel.
The second shows an aerial view of newly married pair together, with Shrien holding Anni at one point.
the third CCTV clip shows Shrien and Anni taking photographs of each other at 'Sevruga's bar' area.
Anni can be seen taking a photo of Shrien and then the waiter takes a pic of the pair of them.
At one point Shrien holds Anni and kisses her.
Reporter Leigh-Anne Jansen says Shrien is wiping away tears in court.
8:33 am
Forensics expert takes the stand
Case:
Colonel Thandiwe Mlabateki has taken the stand, and is the state's 16th witness.
He is an officer attached to the police Forensics Science Laboratory.
Mlabateki, who is a primer residue expert and has 19 years experience in forensics, has prepared a report.
8:42 am
Mlabateki: 'Gun residue particles have 2m radius'
Holiday: Shrien and Anni Dewani captured on CCTV at their hotel
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp is questioning Thandiwe Mlabateki.
Mopp produces a photograph of a glove warn by convicted killer Mziwamadoda Qwabe.
Mlabateki said that when a firearm is discharged primer residue particles are deposited on the hands of the individual who fired the weapon.
He said these residue particles have a radius of about 2 metres.
8:51 am
'Someone close to gun being fired could be covered in primer residue'
Getty Dewani trial
Case: The trial is taking place at Western Cape High Court
Forensics expert Thandiwe Mlabateki is being questioned by prosecutor Adrian Mopp.
He said it is possible that a person in 'close proximity' to someone firing a gun can test positive for primer residue.
He said wind and rain can influence the results of residue tests and that if there is significant movement, the particles could move.
Mlabateki said it is easy for residue particles to move on leather seats as their surface is so smooth.
9:01 am
'Can't deduce where shot came from'
Getty
Trial: Shrien Dewani (left) and inset with wife Anni on honeymoon
Colonel Mlabateki said you cannot deduce where the shot came from.
The residue is made up of lead, barium and antimony.
He described the three reasons why a person might test positive for primer residue:
1. They fired the weapon
2. They were within 2m of the person who fired the gun.
3. 'Secondary transfer' - If someone comes into contact with something that is covered in primer residue.
9:12 am
Defence lawyer cross-examines Col Mlabateki about the residue
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp is questioning forensics expert Thandiwe Mlabateki.
Mopp is referring to photograph of the Qwabe's glove.
Mlabateki said the glove was not disturbed as he sees it in the photo.
"It was reserved and therefore it was possible to get a positive result," he said.
Defence lawyer Pieter Botha is cross-examining Mlabateki.
Botha asks what Mlabateki knows thus far?
Mlabateki said the weapon fire in the taxi and that there was wind as well.
Both asks him "where was the wind?"
Mlabateki said he is not sure if it was on that specific day.
He agreed with Botha's suggestion that wind does not play a role when the windows are rolled up.
9:26 am
Mziwamadoda Qwabe 'said he never touched the gun'
The scene where Anni Dewani was murdered in Cape Town, South Africa (Pic: Getty) Shooting: The scene where Anni Dewani was murdered in Cape Town, South Africa
Botha asks Colonel Thandiwe Mlabateki's if a person can test positive for primer residue if it is found anywhere on their body?
He replies that it is.
Botha says Qwabe's evidence was that he never touched the firearm before or after it was fired.
He asks Mlabateki whether he was informed about this?
Mlabateki said he did not know that.
Botha: "That secondary transfer is then excluded from this instance, would you agree with me?"
Mlabateki said: "If he was in the vehicle, wearing the glove, primer residue will settle on all exposed areas. If he was wearing the glove chances are high."
Qwabe's evidence was that he had picked up the shell casing.
Mlabateki said the place where you are most likely to find primer residue is in the web between the thumb and the index finger, because this is the closest part of the hand to the weapon.
9:34 am
Botha: 'Presence of primer residue on body doesn't prove person fired gun'
PA Mziwamadoda Qwabe
Mziwamadoda Qwabe: One of the men convicted of murdering Anni
Defence lawyer Pieter Botha is continuing to cross examine forensics expert Colonel Thandiwe Mlabateki.
Botha says the presence of primer residue on a person's body does not conclusively prove they fired the gun.
Mlabateki said this is correct.
He asks Mlabateki whether it would surprise him that the police report on the residue was only made available at the request of the defence in August this year?
Mlabateki said it does.
9:51 am
The trial has been adjourned - Recap on today's events in court
Gunman: Qwabe (left), Dewani (top right) and Anni
The trial has been adjourned until Monday.
To recap on today's events:
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp introduced a new witness - forensics expert Thandiwe Mlabateki.
Mopp produces a photograph of a glove warn by Mziwamadoda Qwabe - one of three men convicted of murdering Anni Dewani.
Mlabateki said that when a firearm is discharged primer residue particles are deposited on the hands of the individual who fired the weapon.
He said these residue particles have a radius of about 2 metres.
He said it is possible that a person in 'close proximity' to someone firing a gun can test positive for primer residue.
He said wind and rain can influence the results of residue tests and that if there is significant movement, the particles could move.
Tragedy: CCTV captures the moment Shrien Dewani 'was told his wife had been killed'
Mlabateki said it is easy for residue particles to move on leather seats as their surface is so smooth.
The residue is made up of lead, barium and antimony.
He described the three reasons why a person might test positive for primer residue:
1. They fired the weapon
2. They were within 2m of the person who fired the gun.
3. 'Secondary transfer' - If someone comes into contact with something that is covered in primer residue.
Mlabateki says primer residue is most likely to be found in the web of the hand of the person who fired a gun - because that is the closest area to the weapon.
Defence lawyer Pieter Botha asks Mlabateki whether he agrees that the presence of primer residue in the web area of the hand does not conclusively mean that that person fire the weapon.
Mlabateki said that is correct.
Botha asked Mlabateki whether he was surprised that a copy of the report on the primer residue was only made available at the request of the defence in August this year?
Like a fox in a corner, clever fox, he cried mental health issues and the idiots in the UK accepted it, we have to protect murderers in this country dont you know.
I know Africa i lived there. IF you dont give a gunman what they want they shoot you they dont ask you, they shoot you or hack you to death. A real attack would have raped her, and maybe even him, and killed them both and even taken her beautiful shoes.
They dont leave witnesses. When we were there in Nairobi a journalist was killed because he wouldnt give over his car. He managed to explain to police before he died. I think then they were coming in from Uganda like bloody pirates.
That poor sad girl, what a horrible way to die. God rest her soul.
I dont even care if this guy is gay or straight, but he has an evil heart either way.
I agree Colombs. Sordid was always associated with him! Mental illness indeed he thought money could save him..... sometimes it does!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 17, 2014, 03:14:50 PM
Thanks Holly, You beat me too it. The case is adjourned for a week while a request for a dismissal of the case is submitted, due to lack of evidence........................ Evidence? .......If only Anni could speak!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 17, 2014, 03:30:14 PM
Thanks Holly, You beat me too it. The case is adjourned for a week while a request for a dismissal of the case is submitted, due to lack of evidence........................ Evidence? .......If only Anni could speak!
You're welcome Anna. You've done most of the work keeping us up-dated 8((()*/
I've always thought the case against SD seemed weak but it's not over yet!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on November 17, 2014, 04:34:20 PM
Good God, the defence asks that the case against Dewani be dismissed because of lack of evidence yet it has been clearly proven that Dewani had contact with these killers both before and after the dirty deed.
The defence is obviously attempting to take advantage of a dishevelled police force struggling to cope in South Africa.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 17, 2014, 08:56:28 PM
Good God, the defence asks that the case against Dewani be dismissed because of lack of evidence yet it has been clearly proven that Dewani had contact with these killers both before and after the dirty deed.
The defence is obviously attempting to take advantage of a dishevelled police force struggling to cope in South Africa.
It's too like the Pistorius well paid defence lawyer.......Money pays off!
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on November 18, 2014, 01:49:09 AM
Dewani trial - The State rests
After calling 16 witnesses to testify in the Honeymoon Murder Trial, the prosecution has closed its case.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 18, 2014, 06:57:10 PM
I have been sort of watching this. And what a farce it seems to me. The minute one of the perpetrators get's a reduced sentence for dobbing in the husband, you have to wonder if in fact the husband was guilty.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 19, 2014, 01:06:28 PM
I have been sort of watching this. And what a farce it seems to me. The minute one of the perpetrators get's a reduced sentence for dobbing in the husband, you have to wonder if in fact the husband was guilty.
Another mysterious case, but it is forensic evidence, that may sway in His favour IMO. If it isn't thrown out, as has been applied for. We will know more on Friday or Monday.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 19, 2014, 01:10:02 PM
I would have thought that his best option to cover his hidden life style would have been to stay married to what appears to have been a compliant woman who was aware that he had problems.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 19, 2014, 02:57:27 PM
I have been sort of watching this. And what a farce it seems to me. The minute one of the perpetrators get's a reduced sentence for dobbing in the husband, you have to wonder if in fact the husband was guilty.
I tend to agree Eleanor. I see so many similarities with the case of Jeremy Bamber. Perhaps I'm just a bleeding heart liberal but I don't think so.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 19, 2014, 03:00:00 PM
I would have thought that his best option to cover his hidden life style would have been to stay married to what appears to have been a compliant woman who was aware that he had problems.
From what I have read, she didn't want to stay married to him.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 19, 2014, 03:01:04 PM
I would have thought that his best option to cover his hidden life style would have been to stay married to what appears to have been a compliant woman who was aware that he had problems.
Agree. Many years ago I had a gay next door neighbour. He was in his 50's and I was in my 20's. He told me he had more affairs with married men with children than gay guys! I have no reason to disbelieve him.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 19, 2014, 03:01:49 PM
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 19, 2014, 03:33:12 PM
I thought that these people often had arranged marriages. So not necessarily in love, as it were. So I don't know why there should be a kerfuffle about the lack of public displays of affection. I don't particularly like public displays anyway. And all this Body Language is just a pseudo science to me.
This comment is not intended to be Racist. I have nothing against arranged marriages if both parties are willing.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: John on November 19, 2014, 04:44:12 PM
Something happened in SA which scared and worried Anni sufficiently to warrant her telephoning her parents in Bristol just hours before she was murdered. She wasn't able to reveal what it was at the time for some reason.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 19, 2014, 05:51:16 PM
I thought that these people often had arranged marriages. So not necessarily in love, as it were. So I don't know why there should be a kerfuffle about the lack of public displays of affection. I don't particularly like public displays anyway. And all this Body Language is just a pseudo science to me.
This comment is not intended to be Racist. I have nothing against arranged marriages if both parties are willing.
I don't think all Hindu marriages are arranged? I don't believe the Dewanis' marriage was arranged. From what I've read both sets of parents seem pretty liberal. AD grew up and was educated to degree level (engineering) in Sweden. She then worked for Ericsson, the Swedish telecoms company, as an engineer. I don't think she was a 'little woman'.
Apparently one of the things they argued about was her spending habits. I wonder if she would have married SD had he not been wealthy and able to provide her and any children (apparently they were trying to conceive) with a certain lifestyle?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 19, 2014, 06:01:52 PM
I don't think all Hindu marriages are arranged? I don't believe the Dewanis' marriage was arranged. From what I've read both sets of parents seem pretty liberal. AD grew up and was educated to degree level (engineering) in Sweden. She then worked for Ericsson, the Swedish telecoms company, as an engineer. I don't think she was a 'little woman'.
Apparently one of the things they argued about was her spending habits. I wonder if she would have married SD had he not been wealthy and able to provide her and any children (apparently they were trying to conceive) with a certain lifestyle?
So neither of them were going to be perfect.
I simply cannot see any good reason for why he would want her bumped off. He was what he was but decided to marry her. He didn't have to, unless he wanted some sort of cover. In which case, why have her bumped off.
"Let's get married because I am as queer as a coot. And then we can go on honeymoon to South Africa, where I will meet a taxi driver on the first day there, and arrange to have you bumped off."
It hardly seems likely.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 19, 2014, 06:03:56 PM
PS. Wasn't there some mad African Police person who decided Dewani was guilty right at the beginning? Or am I imagining things?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 19, 2014, 06:16:16 PM
I simply cannot see any good reason for why he would want her bumped off. He was what he was but decided to marry her. He didn't have to, unless he wanted some sort of cover. In which case, why have her bumped off.
"Let's get married because I am as queer as a coot. And then we can go on honeymoon to South Africa, where I will meet a taxi driver on the first day there, and arrange to have you bumped off."
It hardly seems likely.
Agreed. He was also known as a perfectionist. If he was going to orchestrate AD's demise surely he would have planned it a bit better. And what would he expect for some £200 apparently the amount paid for the dirty deed. By comparison he spent 25k on an engagement ring and 250k on the wedding.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 19, 2014, 06:24:08 PM
Agreed. He was also known as a perfectionist. If he was going to orchestrate AD's demise surely he would have planned it a bit better. And what would he expect for some £200 apparently the amount paid for the dirty deed. By comparison he spent 25k on an engagement ring and 250k on the wedding.
That's a lot of money to spend if you are going to get someone murdered. Why bother at all?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on November 20, 2014, 06:59:32 AM
...The minute one of the perpetrators get's a reduced sentence for dobbing in the husband, you have to wonder if in fact the husband was guilty.
Tongo is the only one who had direct knowledge of Dewani initiating the murder. And Tongo actually got an INCREASED, not reduced, sentence for bringing Dewani's name into it. Which is a very strong indication that Tongo's story is true. To believe Tongo is framing Dewani, you have to believe he was so anxious to do so that he was willing to frame himself in the process. There's a first time for everything, but rather unlikely, to say the least.
Meanwhile, the police did a very good job on this case. They solved Anni's murder within a couple of days.
As the the trial, without question the evidence adduced by the state clearly points to Dewani's involvement in a murder conspiracy. So, short of a travesty of justice, his application for discharge will be denied.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Matthew Wyse on November 20, 2014, 11:19:44 AM
Tongo is the only one who had direct knowledge of Dewani initiating the murder. And Tongo actually got an INCREASED, not reduced, sentence for bringing Dewani's name into it. Which is a very strong indication that Tongo's story is true. To believe Tongo is framing Dewani, you have to believe he was so anxious to do so that he was willing to frame himself in the process. There's a first time for everything, but rather unlikely, to say the least.
Meanwhile, the police did a very good job on this case. They solved Anni's murder within a couple of days.
As the the trial, without question the evidence adduced by the state clearly points to Dewani's involvement in a murder conspiracy. So, short of a travesty of justice, his application for discharge will be denied.
Wasnt he the one who claimed that Dewani boasted of involvement in the other murder of a doctor in very similar circumstances?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Matthew Wyse on November 20, 2014, 11:49:35 AM
Another point I hadnt picked up on was Tongo testified that there had been an earlier attempt to murder Anni but that it had failed and went unnoticed. If Tongo was telling a load of porkies why bother to introduce an elaborate second scheme when he had no need to do so?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 24, 2014, 10:43:40 AM
Part 1
Read from bottom, up
British millionaire attempts to have honeymoon murder case thrown out Nov 24, 2014 09:59
By Sam Rkaina
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/shrien-dewani-trial-live-updates-4682971 The 34-year-old is on trial in South Africa accused of plotting to have his new bride Anni shot dead
10:18 am Why the contradictions? Van Zyl: "Then there was Tongo's evidence that on arrival from the money changer, they had the discussion of (the hijack details). "But on presenting CCTV footage, Tongo says 'oh no, we actually discussed it on the way back to the hotel'. "Why do we have these contradictions? Only if the man is not telling the truth."
10:13 am Dewani arriving at court this morning We have some pictures of you now of Shrien Dewani arriving to court by car this morning. Will this be the last day he has to attend court? Time will tell, as his defence team's bid to have the case thrown out continues. Adrian De Kock / Barcroft Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court for the trial of the alleged murder of his wife Anni Adrian De Kock / Barcroft Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court for the trial of the alleged murder of his wife Anni
10:10 am Making the deal Van Zyl now cites Qwabe's evidence regarding the R15,000 payment. You've seen the CCTV footage of the accused and his wife leaving the room at 11.15am, Van Zyl says. Zola Tongo says the deal was to meet at 11am.
9:59 am Evidence not credible Van Zyl reads from the court records of Zola Tongo's testimony. The defence is relying heavily on Tongo's credibility or lack thereof. The evidence of Mbolombo, in itself not credible, does not support Tongo's account, Van Zyl says. Qwabe's does not support Tongo's either, he adds.
9:52 am Mess of evidence Van Zyl: "It is crucial for the State's case to prove that the accused entered into the alleged conspiracy agreement with Tongo. "Failing such proof, the accused cannot be convicted." The lawyer is continuing his bid to get the case thrown out by picking apart failings in witness evidence.
9:50 am Cost of bringing Dewani to trial could be wasted Court sources have told Ruth Maclean of The Times Dewani probably won't go home today. The judge will want time to consider whether or not to throw case out, she reports. So far it would seem the judge has mostly interjected to support the defence team's concerns about witness evidence.
9:48 am Hitmen payment Van Zyl: "[Now] I deal with the payment for Mbolombo. "Her made no mention of payment in evidence-in-chief. "But in cross exam, he says Mbolombo would be paid by the young men."
9:41 am Proceedings resume Van Zyl refers to the court records of Tongo's testimony. In cross-exam, Tongo testified that the accused never indicated that he did not want to produce his passport to change money. The lawyer says ''t was just something he made up'.
9:12 am Court adjourns for tea Van Zyl: "The money to be paid. One would expect that how much was to be paid would be rather important to Tongo. "He says he was offered R5,000. He cannot say when the offer was made, Friday or Saturday. My learned friend says his memory could fade after four years. "The fact of the matter remains, in his statement, he made no mention of R5,000." The court has adjourned for tea but should resume shortly.
9:10 am Don't know where the truth lies Van Zyl: How do we get to a situation where the accused tells Tongo that his business partner (arriving the next day) needs to be killed? "But to Mbolombo and Qwabe, it was told that a husband wanted a wife killed. We don't know where the truth lies. "We have this huge difference in evidence, on very material evidence."
9:07 am No mention of 'business partner' Van Zyl: "One would imagine, on this part of his statement, that he would be clearer on who had to be killed. "This is a huge mistake from someone who knew from the start that a business partner had to be killed. "No mention in Mbolombo's statement of a business partner/ client to be killed. No mention whatsoever."
8:59 am Someone had to be killed Van Zyl: "If we look at this, how did the conspiracy start? Behind the car when they were standing? When he came back to the car? My Lady, that is a material discrepancy. "In P9, no mention is made that the accused told him it's his business partner. My learned friends will say so what? "He did say someone had to be killed. Why didn't he tell Col. Barkhuizen about it?"
8:57 am Growing business claim was 'afterthought' Van Zyl: "This business of he'll make his business grow, is what Mr Tongo puts at the forefront of his reason to participate in the crime. "This job, is an afterthought, after the affidavit was made. "That is why you don't see it in exhibit P9."
8:54 am Serious questions about witness credibility Judge Traverso: "There's something else that concerns me. The R4,000 that was taken from the accused. If he was a co-conspirator, why would they take the R4,000? Van Zyl: "If we go on probability, he took an expensive watch and R4,000. Those are all improbabilities. "If you look at exhibit P9 (Tongo's affidavit) Tongo says that the accused elaborated on the job, outside at the car. Tongo said he doesn't associate himself with such things but said he will call someone in the township. "This is a material contradiction in his evidence: the when, where and how? "And how did he explain it? He said it was a mistake. One would expect it to be very clear when this man approached you. This raises serious questions about his credibility right from the very onset."
8:53 am Huge risk of short changing killers Van Zyl: "There's one further improbability that I haven't addressed in my heads. Jumping ahead, the accused now knows they are going to have his wife killed. "These people are obviously dangerous people. You promised to pay them R15,000 for this job, [but] what [does] the accused do? He takes R10k. "He's prepared to short-change these killers. What is going to happen to him if they find out they've been short-changed? That's a huge risk to take. We ask ourselves, how probable is that? "Those are the huge improbabilities against the background of Tongo's evidence."
8:45 am Hugely improbable Van Zyl: "Tongo is more than happy to take this further. He's not even sure if the R5000 was discussed that day or not. Off he goes to Mr. Mbolombo and decides to ask him. "He tells him "I have this client who wants to have his business partner killed." "He (Mbolombo) then calls Qwabe, and he agrees to take part in this conspiracy."
8:44 am Why would a foreigner arrange a murder half an hour after arriving? Van Zyl: "Mr Dewani arrives at Cape Town International, for the first time in his life. He looks for a taxi to the Cape Grace. Mr Tongo says I can take you." Judge Traverso: "My rates are better than yours." Van Zyl: "On their way, he tries to sell his services. At the hotel, the porter takes the luggage, Mrs Dewani goes inside. They (Tongo and Dewani) were not out there for long. "Then he (Dewani) explains what this job entails. How probable is this, that a foreigner arrives in this country and takes a shuttle, and within half an hour, arranges a murder?
8:41 am Tongo 'completely unreliable as witness' Van Zyl: "Tongo said Barkhuizen put things in there that he never said. That cannot be true. "Tongo... proved himself to be a completely unreliable witness. "I know, at this juncture, improbabilities do not play a role. Mr Tongo was not just a taxi driver."
8:35 am Taxi driver's statement was careful Van Zyl: "You will recall that [with] Mr Tongo, on what we know, there was already talk of him handing himself over in terms of a plea agreement. "His attorney is with him when that statement was made. He made it to [police] Col. Barkhuizen. He's an old hand. He must have made sure that the affidavit was correct. This is not your average police station. "It's clear Barkhuizen took his time to condense what Tongo told him. This is our approach - discrepancies in the witness's statement and what was said in court. It is clear that a lot of time and energy was spent, even with his attorney, on this statement."
8:34 am Contradictions in evidence Van Zyl: If we go to Mbolombo's evidence as to what was discussed, he said the discussions revolved around what to tell the police with no talk about implicating Dewani. "They did speak to each other on the Wednesday. They knew about Mngeni's arrest. "Surely if one looks at the evidence, it raises all sorts of questions. "We have in the cross examination of Tongo and other two witnesses, highlighted contradictions and what he eventually testified to in this court.
8:24 am Case relies on taxi driver Zola Tongo "Tongo is the only witness to testify that the accused was part of the conspiracy. "Qwabe and Mbolombo's evidence of the conspiracy relies entirely what Tongo told them. "The phone calls between Tongo and Mbolombo on the Wednesday. There were a number of calls. On the Tuesday, Mngeni was arrested."
8:24 am There was a conspiracy Shrien Dewani listens intently, and glances from his counsel to the media bench. Van Zyl: "The only version we have, is that of Tongo. The mere fact that there was telephone communication between him and the accused cannot corroborate what was said between them. "We are not saying there was no conspiracy. Clearly there was a conspiracy between Tongo, Mngeni and Qwabe. "The question is, was the accused part and parcel of that conspiracy?"
8:15 am 'No credible evidence on which to convict' Van Zyl: "Tongo's evidence is of such poor quality, similar to Qwabe and Mbolombo. The court must look at if there credible evidence. "There's no credible evidence on record, on which the court can convict." The lawyer is now citing case law.
8:12 am Whole case is built on conspiracy Van Zyl: "The evidence to prove the conspiracy in the main, it's the evidence of Tongo. "That is the only evidence before this court (Tongo's evidence). The whole case is based on conspiracy. "Tongo is the pillar on which the state's case is built."
8:07 am Judge: It's my decision Judge Jeanette Traverso has said the decision is hers alone. Defence lawyer Francois van Zyl has begun setting out his bid. He starts by explaining what his client Shrien Dewani is accused of. He speaks about the convicted conspirators.
8:02 am Proceedings resume Court has now resumed for today's significant hearing. Both the Hindocha and Dewani families have arrived and are seated in court. The defence team should be speaking first, to make their acquittal bid.
7:59 am Anni's family arrive Like every day of the trial so far, Anni's grief struck family have arrived at court today. This time though, they will no doubt be concerned that the trial that have waited so long for will be thrown out. As ever they can be seen wearing their badges, showing Anni's beaming face.
7:58 am Video summary Here's a neat summary of the defence's acquittal bid that is due to be heard shortly. ENCA news published the report last week ahead of today's make-or-break hearing. The clip, which includes footage of murder-accused Dewani, is presented by South African journalist Leigh-Anne Jansen who has been providing Twitter coverage of the trial throughout.
7:52 am Dewani packing his bags? This picture shows Shrien Dewani carrying boxes at the psychiatric hospital he has been held at - is he packing his bags to go home? Dewani has been at the Valkenberg psychiatric hospitalsince his extradition to Cape Town in April. A course told the Daily Mail the 34 year-old Dewani 'is on top of the world' at the prospect of going home a free man. "He's very happy," the unnamed source told the paper. "He is in good spirits. He is on top of the world." Mike Behr/Noble Draper Shrien Dewani seen moving boxes inside the Valkenberg hospital, Cape Town today.
7:43 am The state's case The state alleges that Dewani conspired with others to stage the hijacking, for which he paid 15,000 rand - less than £1,000 at the 2010 exchange rate. Dewani maintains the money was actually for a surprise helicopter trip which Tongo was helping to arrange. Tongo is serving an 18-year jail term and Qwabe is part-way through a 25-year jail term. Mngeni was serving life in jail for firing the shot that killed Mrs Dewani, but died in prison from a brain tumour on October 18.
7:34 am Decision today? South African journalists are reporting that it is 'unlikely' we will get a result today, but given the way the trial has gone so far you never know. The judge will hear from both sides about whether the case should be thrown out. The prosecution will clearly be keen to avoid what would be an embarrassing end to their case against the accused.
7:27 am World's media gathers The world's media have returned to the Western Cape High Court in anticipation that Shrien Dewani might be acquitted. If the discharge is granted, he would be a free man. If not, the trial will continue as scheduled. As you can see the crowds are gathered ahead of an expected 8am UK time start.
7:24 am Bid to throw out case to be heard today Western Cape High Court judge Jeanette Traverso is due to hear submissions on an application to throw the case out due to lack of evidence today. If successful it would mean Shrien Dewani could walk free from court an innocent man. It comes after defence counsel Francois van Zyl said last week his team would make an application to the judge under section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. It provides that the court may return a not-guilty verdict if the judge feels there is insufficient evidence to convict at the close of the prosecution's case. Dewani is on trial for allegedly plotting with shuttle taxi driver Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and gunman Xolile Mngeni. The defendant, extradited from the UK after a lengthy Home Office battle, claims the couple were hijacked while Tongo drove them through the rough Gugulethu township in his taxi on Saturday, November 13, 2010. He was released unharmed and Anni was driven away. Her lifeless body was found in the abandoned taxi in Khayelitsha the next morning - she had been shot.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 24, 2014, 11:39:42 AM
Thanks, Anna.
God, what a farce.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 24, 2014, 04:28:44 PM
Part 2
Nov 24, 2014 13:48 By Sam Rkaina
The 34-year-old is on trial in South Africa accused of plotting to have his new bride Anni shot dead
10:21 am
Poor quality evidence
Dewani's lawyer is arguing the case should be thrown out primarily because of the 'poor quality' of his accusers' evidence.
Van Zyl also touches on forensics, but makes no mention whatsoever of his client's sexuality.
The lawyer is now looking at Tongo's evidence where he explains to Qwabe and Mngeni what has to be done.
10:30 am
Poor memory
Van Zyl reads from the records of Zola Tonga's testimony, in which he couldn't remember whether Shrien Dewani told him where the money would be.
Van Zyl: "My Lady, there's a lot riding on this. How could Monde tell them the previous day, what should happen?
"We have two stories from Tongo. One, the car would be left where they killed the woman and two, the car should be left near a car wash."
10:40 am
It's a made up story
Van Zyl: "Throughout Tongo's testimony, he stuck with the business partner had to be killed, not the husband wanted the wife killed.
"If we look at the objective facts, the accused made an appointment for dinner at 96 Winery Road restaurant. Mbolombo says Tongo told him that he was taking the couple to a restaurant in the Somerset West area.
"It's a made-up story to incriminate the accused."
10:57 am
Case adjourns for lunch
The case has now adjourned for lunch.
So far this morning we have heard Shrien Dewani's defence lawyer Francois van Zyl opening his bid to have the case thrown out.
He has argued that there is simply not enough evidence to convict the Bristol businessman of any involvement in the killing of his wife Anni.
Stay with us through lunch and we will look at what we've heard today in more detail.
Court will likely resume at around 12.30pm for the afternoon session.
11:07 am
This morning's recap part 1
Lawyers for Shrien Dewani today launched an attempt to get his murder trial thrown out of court, paving the way for him to fly back to Britain a free man.
The application follows a lacklustre prosecution case against Dewani which has produced little or no concrete evidence linking the 34 year old businessman to the honeymoon murder of his 28 year old wife, Anni, four years ago.
The state’s case – that Dewani recruited a taxi driver, Zola Tongo, to organise the fatal shooting disguised as a carjacking in a rough township – struggled to gain traction during the testimonies of 16 witnesses following a string of successful rulings in favour of the defence.
CCTV captures the moment Shrien Dewani 'was told his wife had been killed' Court sees hotel CCTV
11:22 am
This morning's recap part 2
Francois van Zyl opened his application by slamming the state's 'sole witness' to Dewani's alleged role in his wife's murder as "lacking in credibility".
Taxi driver Zola Tongo was, according to the prosecution, recruited by Dewani to organise hitmen to a fake carjacking as the cover for his wife's death.
Mr van Zyl asked the judge - who will alone rule on whether to clear Dewani - to agree that his client could not be convicted on the strength of what the driver told the court - testimony of "such poor quality it cannot be reliable," Mr van Zyl said.
Zola Tongo (pic: Pixel) Trial: Murderer Zola Tongo was fetched from prison to give evidence in court earlier in the trial
11:31 am
This morning's recap part 3
"Tongo is the pillar on which the state's case is built. If that fails, the whole state's case fails with it," Mr van Zyl told the Western Cape high Court.
Another central plank of the prosecution case - that Dewani led a secret gay life that motivated him to want to be out of his new marriage - fell away on day one of his South African trial last month following a dramatic admission that he was a ‘bi-sexual’ who had paid gay prostitutes, frequented clubs and surfed ‘hook up' sites to satisfy his sexual urges.
Dewani has spent the last few days meeting his family and legal team at the high-security psychiatric hospital, where he has been held since his extradition from Britain in April, to agree a strategy for the end of his trial.
In the best possible outcome for him, Judge Jeanette Traverso could clear him of all charges and free to board a plane back to Britain within hours.
eNCA Shrien Dewani arrives at court.
Shrien Dewani arrives at court
11:44 am
This morning's recap part 4
Even if the judge, who sits with two assessors and no jury, does concur with the prosecution that the trial should run its course – Dewani may still not have to face tough questioning in the witness box.
His legal team are entitled to call no witnesses in Dewani’s defence – only give their closing argument - and the judge could still rule that there is insufficient evidence before the court on which to convict him 'beyond reasonable doubt'.
Mr van Zyl added that there was no doubt that there was a conspiracy targeting Mrs Dewani, but asked "was the accused part of this agreement? What were the terms of this agreement? The mere fact that yes, there was a hijacking, the lady was robbed, the question is was the accused part and parcel of this conspiracy."
"This (application) will stand or fall with Tongo's evidence."
Anni Dewani Anni Dewani
11:58 am
This morning's recap part 5
The public gallery was packed for the unusual application brought on day 23 of the high-profile trial. The families of both Dewani and his dead wife were also in court, as they have been every day of his trial.
Dewani looked particularly animated as his lawyer introduced five themes of arguments in support of his application. His eyes darted between Mr van Zyl, the judge and the three benches filled with reporters.
Moving on from the claims of Tongo, whose statements to police and evidence to the court was "riddled with contradictions" Mr van Zyl moved on to the incredibility of the story that Dewani had hired him to kill someone within minutes of meeting him.
"How probable is it that this foreigner would arrive in this country and within half an hour asks him (Tongo) to find a hitman to kill someone," Mr van Zyl asked the court.
"This is one of two or three huge improbabilities - which cannot be irrelevant."
Shrien Dewani and Anni Dewani (Pic: PA) Shrien Dewani and Anni Dewani (Pic: PA)
12:06 pm
This morning's final recap
Mr van Zyl referred to CCTV footage of the newlyweds kissing and posing for photographs at the Cape Grace hotel as they waited for Tongo to collect them on the night Mrs Dewani was killed.
"We ask ourselves how probable it is this man knowing that this person he is kissing will be dead within an hour," he said.
Mr van Zyl highlighted the fact that his client reportedly short-changed the killers, paying them just R10,000 for the hit, rather than the 15,000 he had promised.
How likely was it, Mr van Zyl asked, that his wealthy client would have cheated "dangerous people" who had just committed a murder.
"He's prepared to short-change these killers. What is going to happen to him if they find out they've been short-changed. That's a hige risk to take."
As Mr van Zyl spoke, the parents of the dead bride exchanged anxious looks.
Adrian De Kock / Barcroft Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court for the trial of the alleged murder of his wife Anni
Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court for the trial of the alleged murder of his wife Anni
12:17 pm
Proceedings resume
Proceedings have now resumed after the lunchtime break.
Defence lawyer Francois van Zyl will now resume his application to have the case against his client thrown out.
He is currently discussed the issue of payment for the alleged 'hit' against Anni Dewani.
12:24 pm
Witness changed evidence to suit the occasion
Van Zyl: "How easy was it for Tongo to change his evidence to suit the occasion?
"According to Tongo it was decided between him, Mbolomo and Qwabe that they will meet at the hi-jack place later.
"Tongo couldn't say whether he called or sent a text, informing Qwabe that the money was behind the seat."
12:28 pm
Getting into the car
Van Zyl: "He says he was forced to the back seat. That flies in the face of the accused's plea explanation."
"'The first man got into the driver's seat and pushed me over to the passenger seat. The second man got into the back of the vehicle Dewani and the lady'.
"My Lady, that is not what happened."
Traverso: "Then Mngeni had to be aware that the child locks were on."
12:35 pm
Anni's family look 'tortured'
Now the lawyer is moving on to the CCTV of the "private" conversation between Tongo and Dewani at the Cape Grace hotel.
Van Zyl: "One would have expected that conversation to be relayed to Col. Barkhuizen, when giving his affidavit.
"Why would he ask Tongo if he was OK? According to Tongo, this was an agreed hijacking. Why are you OK, are you fine?"
12:37 pm
Looking at the cameras
VZ: "Dewani must've thought Tongo was injured. If Tongo is to be believed that he was offered R5,000, he is now alone with the accused. One would've expected him to ask.
"He never discussed it with the accused, at all, he says. This atmosphere that was created that he walked out of sight of the camera. Those are glass doors. The police could see him
Traverso: "There is also evidence that he was alerted to the cameras, and then looks up."
Van Zyl: "That is the evidence, but where does he return to? Back inside, in view of the cameras."
12:43 pm
Noisy courtroom
It appears to be a noisy day in court today.
Earlier the judge looked visibly annoyed by banging outside the courtroom as the afternoon session resumed.
Now the accused is apparently annoyed by the loud banging of a door in court.
12:45 pm
Claims are nonsensical
Now the lawyer moves on to receiving the R1,000 payment from Dewani.
Van Zyl: "One can almost say, really?? It's nonsensical.
"Clearly we are dealing with a witness who can twist (the story) to suit him."
12:56 pm
Monde's role
Van Zyl: "It shows how witness can 'manufacture' evidence to tie in what is on the CCTV footage.
"Now we get to Mbolombo's role. Tongo said 'Monde connected me to those young men'.
"Mbolombo was in control of what happened that night."
1:03 pm
Judge sees flaws in case
Traverso: "What's still not clear to me is why did Tongo immediately go to Mbolombo?
"Why? Because he's a man from the township?"
Van Zyl: "The probabilities are stacked against that argument. (Tongo a neatly dressed guide,who Shrien happens to approach for a hit)"
1:05 pm
Evidence not worth the paper it's written on
Van Zyl: "A complete stranger, arriving in South Africa, asking a (seemingly) reputable taxi operator: 'Can you find me someone to commit a murder?'"
Tongo's evidence, Van Zyl says, "is not worth the paper it's written on".
The lawyer is doing his best to completely demolish Zola Tongo's credibility, upon whom much of the prosecution's case rests.
1:08 pm
Contradictions are clear
Van Zyl: "There's something more in this case than what this court has heard.
"We don't even have to go to Qwabe and Mbolombo. The contradictions are clear.
"Even if the accused is a poor witness, the court cannot use that as credible evidence."
1:11 pm
Problems with hitman's evidence too
Van Zyl: "They didn't drive into the bushy area, instead into the residential area. It does not make sense.
"Something is amiss here."
Van Zyl moves to Qwabe: "Even the state has conceded he 'was not the best witness'.
The problem with hitman Qwabe's evidence, Van Zyl says, is his account of Mbolombo's role, and of how Anni was shot.
1:20 pm
Hitman's evidence was nonsense
Van Zyl: "Qwabe's version that Mngeni shot the deceased and how it happened is not true. The fingers point to Qwabe as the shooter.
"Qwabe testified that Mngeni shot the deceased while he was sitting in left front passenger seat.
"Qwabe's evidence that Mngeni shot is nonsense."
1:28 pm
Evidence is a lie
Now we are moving onto the forensic evidence regarding the gunshots themselves.
Van Zyl: "We had primer residue on the left hand glove. We heard evidence that that is where they normally look for residue.
"We had a glove mark on left rear door. He was the only one with gloves. He says "maybe when I looked for the cartridge"
"What is his glove mark doing on the outside of the left rear door.
"The marks on the deceased's leg were made with the right hand. We see primer residue on the left hand. All this ties in. Mngeni could not have shot the deceased as Qwabe said he did."
1:33 pm
Where do the lies end?
"Qwabe's evidence that Mngeni shot the deceased was a lie. Why is he lying?" asks Van Zyl.
Yet Mngeni was Anni Dewani's convicted shooter.
Van Zyl: "Other indications that he was not truthful in his evidence. He gave three versions of who allegedly removed money from the pouch.
"when confronted with these three versions, asked which one is correct, replied 'I cannot recall exactly ma'am.'"
1:37 pm
Judge concerned by conspiracy
Traverso: "What concerns me about this conspiracy is that we have a very clear agreement as to how much money was going to be paid, where they were going to meet the hijackers, who was going to be put off where.
"And then the plan just falls flat.
"What was going to happen to the car? Where would she be killed?"
1:43 pm
Court adjourns until tomorrow
Van Zyl and the judge are almost conversational on the 'unbelievable' state case.
Van Zyl says the prize for lying in court "must go to Mr Mbolombo."
The case has now adjourned until tomorrow, when the defence will likely conclude their application to have the case thrown out.
After that the prosecution will have the chance to argue it should continue.
1:47 pm
Live coverage concludes
Our live coverage of the Shrien Dewani trial today has now ended.
Today the defence began an application to have the case thrown out due to a lack of evidence.
Defence lawyer Francois van Zyl argued that the prosecution case against the Bristol businessman was full of holes, and that the states main witnesses - including Anni's convicted murderers - were totally unreliable.
The judge will have the final say, and if she decided to agree to the application, Dewani will walk free from court an innocent man.
Throughout the hearing today, the judge appeared to agree with a number of the defence's points, raising a number of her own questions about the apparent weakness of the state's case.
Join us tomorrow morning when the application resumes.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 24, 2014, 04:32:01 PM
A farce is the least that can be said for this Fiasco of a trial. He'll get off!
There is going to be hell to pay if he doesn't.
I think I said back along, "Hello, hello, just arrived in South Africa, on honeymoon, half an hour ago. Can you find someone to kill my wife?" And the money doesn't make sense either. Don't pay a hired assassin the full pittance that you offered him?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 25, 2014, 12:52:20 PM
Part 1
Nov 25, 2014 12:44 By Sam Rkaina
The 34-year-old is on trial in South Africa accused of plotting to have his new bride Anni shot dead
The trial of a businessman from Bristol accused of murdering his wife on their honeymoon may be on the verge of collapse after defence lawyers signalled for the case to be thrown out.
Care home entrepreneur Shrien Dewani, 34, has always denied plotting with others to kill new bride Anni Dewani on a luxury honeymoon in Cape Town, South Africa, four years ago.
Prosecutors claim the millionaire, who is bisexual, wanted out of his marriage and arranged a "hijack-gone-wrong" in which Anni would be killed and her husband escape unharmed.
But Western Cape High Court judge Jeanette Traverso has dismissed sections of the state's case, describing evidence about Dewani's sex life as irrelevant, while prosecution witnesses have included men already convicted of Anni's murder.
On Monday Defence counsel Francois van Zyl began an application to the judgeunder section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
It provides that the court may return a not-guilty verdict if the judge feels there is insufficient evidence to convict at the close of the prosecution's case.
The application ended today and the judge decided she needs two weeks to make a decision.
The trial will resume on Monday, December 8 when she will announce whether it is to continue or whether Dewani can walk out of court a free man.
For a full recap of todays developments, see below.
7:20 am
Application to acquit to continue this morning
Millionaire businessman Shrien Dewani is waiting to hear if he will be free to return to Britain after his legal team yesterday launched a bid to have him cleared of all charges relating to the honeymoon murder of his new wife.
Lawyers told the judge presiding over his six week trial that the case against Dewani, 34, was "riddled with inconsistencies" and so "highly improbable " that he should be found guilty of any part in the plot to kidnap and murder Anni, 28.
Francois Van Zyl spent the entire court session tearing apart the prosecution's case, built on the testimonies of 16 witnesses, poking holes in the evidence which provided little, or no link between Dewani and his wife's fatal shooting in November 2010.
7:30 am
Prosecution case
The prosecution alleges that Dewani recruited Zola Tongo to find two hitmen to murder his wife, only half an hour after meeting him for the first time.
Despite, having never being in the trouble with police before, and having a good monthly income from operating a shuttle service, Tongo immediately agreed to help Dewani and involved another friend, who also also had a job and no criminal record.
"How probable is it that this foreigner would arrive in this country and within half an hour ask him [Tongo] to find a hitman to kill someone," Mr van Zyl asked the court, incredulously.
7:42 am
Dewani was 'innocent victim'
As Mrs Dewani's family shifted nervously on their wooden benches seats as the prospect of seeing their son-in-law walk free from court appeared increasingly likely, Mr van Zyl continued to portray Dewani as the innocent victim of a callous plot.
"What you have is a made-up story to incriminate the accused," he said, pointing towards the dock. "All the alarm bells start ringing."
The wealthy care home owner was flown to South Africa in April following a nearly-four year extradition battle.
He and his Swedish-born wife of two weeks were carjacked as they were driven by Tongo through a township late a night. Dewani and the driver were released unharmed, but Mrs Dewani was driven off into the night, her body was discovered the following morning with a fatal gunshot wound to her neck.
7:44 am
Court to resume after 8am
This is the lawyer who is hoping to make Shrien Dewani a free man.
Francois van Zyl began his application to acquit his client yesterday and is set to continue that bid today.
After the lawyer has made his case, the prosecution will have the chance to object before the judge makes the final decision.
7:52 am
Advocates arrive in court
Days after the murder, Tongo turned state witness and agreed to give evidence against Dewani and one of the hitmen in return for a reduced sentenced.
As the only alleged witness to Dewani's expressed wish to see have his wife murdered under the cover of a fake carjacking, Tongo's testimony was key, Mr van Zyl said yesterday.
"Tongo is the pillar on which the state's case is built. If that fails, the whole state's case fails with it," he told the judge, who throughout the lengthy summary made her own observations that appeared to reflect the defence's doubts about the merit of the evidence against Dewani.
At the end of the highly-charged hearing a source close to the prosecution said he feared, "the judge seems to have made up her mind already."
7:59 am
Dewani could be home by end of the week
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp is expected to present his side of the argument.
Reports have said Dewani could be free to return to England by the end of the week if the judge feels there is insufficient evidence to convict him.
The state's case is that the millionaire, who is bisexual, wanted out of his marriage and arranged a "hijack-gone-wrong" in which Mrs Dewani would be killed and he would escape unharmed.
But Judge Jeanette Traverso has dismissed sections of the state's case, describing evidence about Dewani's sex life as irrelevant, while prosecution witnesses have included men already convicted of Mrs Dewani's murder.
8:11 am
Day 24 of trial begins
Now it's the turn of prosecutor Adrian Mopp to convince the judge to keep the trial going.
Mopp: "The court enquired about the conspiracy yesterday.
"Direct communication between all conspirators is not a requirement. How one should approach the evidence?
"There's a danger of approaching evidence with our own paradigm of how it was to be.
"That's our own world view: that we can't fathom a hit been planned in two days."
8:13 am
Conspirators had financial problems
Mopp: "I'm sketching abroad background before dealing with specifics. Both Mbolombo and Tongo had vulnerabilities (financial).
"Qwabe and Mngeni were in a world where they had access to firearms. Unemployed.
"Tongo [is a] young man who starts his own business to improve his life. Not in conflict with the law. Admits his involvement."
8:16 am
Hunger is over
Mopp: "The question of the major improbabilities as part of the critique against Tongo's evidence...
"If one has regard to Tongo's own evidence. He said he was persistent in marketing himself. In fact, quite desperate.
"He thought "hunger is over." Our submission is that it is not so improbable. The accused must've been impressed by Tongo."
8:18 am
Anni wanted a divorce
Judge Traverso: "Shouldn't you see that aspect from the side of the accused as well? He came to a strange city. He knows his name is Robert Tongo.
"Other than that, he knows nothing. He asked this strange person."
Mopp: "One does not know what went through the accused's mind."
Traverso: "Of course we don't know. What we do know is that Anni Dewani wanted to divorce him."
8:18 am
Tongo did make mistakes
Mopp: "If one has regard to the essence of what transpired, the only difference is when in his (Tongo) evidence, the deal transpired....
Traverso: "Mr. Mopp, I don't mean to interrupt. How many mistakes did Tongo make?"
Mopp: "We concede, a number. But how many were material? There aren't many that were material."
8:21 am
Judge critical of prosecution
The judge's comments are not a good sign for the prosecution.
Anni's family are sitting very close to Adrian Mopp looking concerned as he's taken to task by the Judge over his poor witnesses.
The judge says credibility does play a part.
8:24 am
The husband wanted the lady killed
Mopp: "His evidence is that he wasn't sure that it was the wife."
Traverso: "No, he was adamant it was the business partner. So much so that he said the woman who came out of the Cape Grace was a different woman."
Mopp: "Yes we concede that, My Lady."
Mopp refers to Mbolombo's testimony.
" 'There was a couple. Married people. the husband wanted the lady killed...'
"Mbolombo's evidence was quite emphatic about what was relayed to him."
8:27 am
Question of payment
Mopp: "The question of payment. Tongo was adamant he would get paid R5,000 after the job was done.
"It's improbable that there was no discussion about payment. Tongo's omission to police is not so improbable."
Traverso: "Mr Mopp, was it at all times common cause that the money would come from Mr. Dewani?
Mopp: "Correct and only Mr Dewani."
Traverso: "Is there any evidence of how that money would come from Mr Dewani?"
Mopp: "The agreement was that the money would be left in the cubbyhole."
Traverso: "Who would leave the money in the cubbyhole?"
Mopp: "There was no agreement who would put it there."
8:32 am
Judge frustrated by holes in the case
Traverso: "Do we have any evidence of how Qwabe and Mngeni would get the money to others?"
Mopp: "That was not the agreement.
"There was no agreement that Qwabe would split the money with anyone else, other than Mngeni."
8:37 am
They were thinking about the money
Mopp" There was no detailed discussion. How we're going to do it? When? That didn't cross their mind.
"They were thinking about getting the job done to get the money. It's as simple as that.
Traverso: "It's not as simple as that."
Mopp: "I'll address the court on that."
8:39 am
Would the accused have gone along with a muddled conspiracy?
Traverso: "You're relying on conspiracy, not so?"
Mopp: "Correct."
Traverso: "Do you think the accused would go along with loose arrangements?"
Mopp: "My Lady, one doesn't know what the accused was thinking. He meets Tongo and Tongo becomes the agent. He had to rely on Tongo that things are in place.
"The witnesses are in agreement. Someone had to be killed and there was a fee of R15,000. Much the same as deal that Saturday."
8:44 am
Mistaken about the money
Mopp: "It's more than probable that HE (Qwabe) is mistaken (about the payment arrangements).
"'Tongo does appear to exaggerate that the accused wants the transaction to be done'."
Traverso: "That could be deadly for the accused if that it to be upheld."
"Mopp: If his intention was to persist with that (in his affidavit - death threats) he could've done that. He didn't. He didn't want to cloud the court's mind."
8:46 am
Where's the evidence?
Traverso: "Is the State persisting that this money was exchanged to pay the killers?"
Mopp: "Part of the money that was exchanged would've been required to pay for the hit."
Traverso: "Where is that evidence?"
Mopp: "It's an inference we can draw, My Lady."
8:49 am
Irritation all round
Dewani is mouthing 'oh my God' as he listens to the State say the accused was controlling things.
Mopp seems irritated by the judge's volley of questions.
He now raises his voice. "If you involve yourself in criminality, who knows?"
8:54 am
Criminals can't be trusted
Judge: "So you're asking me to believe that even though Dewani was a co-conspirator, he himself is robbed of R4,000?"
Mopp squeaks: “In for a penny in for a pound! If you engage with criminals, you don’t know what’s going to happen!”
Dewani looking at his quizzically, head cocked to one side. Mopps points out these are criminals, cant be trusted to stick to the deal.
8:58 am
Tongo lied
Mopp says the impression was created that Tongo lied to the court about Spra on his phone's contact list.
It was Mngeni using the phone on that day.
Tongo didn't have the phone anymore. (The phone was in Mngeni's possession).
Judge accepts that argument.
9:01 am
Like 'a tiger tossing a mouse'
The judge appears to be giving the prosecution short shrift this morning, perhaps in a sign of things to come.
The Dewani is case disintegrating before our eyes says the Telegraph's Auslinn Laing.
The judge waving her arms exasperatedly, prosecutor Mopp squeaking indignantly in defence.
9:05 am
Dewani locked in
Mopp: "The issue with the child lock is just a level of detail Tongo doesn't disclose to the accused.
"Just like the exact hijack location in Gugulethu
"Tongo knows no serious harm will come to Mr Dewani."
Traverso: "But he locks him in!"
Mopp: "He doesn't know where the person who will be killed will be sitting. It's not so improbable. He knows that Mr Dewani will get out unharmed. It's not so hard, My Lady.
"On his evidence, the door would be opened for Mr Dewani."
9:08 am
State is struggling
Dewani is leanly forward with a smile playing on his lips as the judge repeatedly asks questions which the State struggles with.
Clearly this morning is going well for the acquittal bid.
But will it be enough to make the judge scrap the trial altogether?
9:15 am
Court adjourns for tea
Mopp: "It's not in dispute that the accused asked the cleaner to leave.
"If one takes regard of the nature, it's not surprising why the accused asked the individual to leave (referring to the private Cape Grace meeting between Tongo and Dewani)
The hearing has now adjourned for a tea break, and the judge has requested the senior lawyers see her in chambers.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 25, 2014, 01:27:39 PM
Part 2 25th nov
9:46 am
Proceedings resume
And we're back from the tea break, when the judge asked to see both legal teams in her chambers.
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp is back making his argument to keep the case alive.
Mopp touches on the fact that Tongo and the Dewanis as well as the hitmen, went to Gugulethu twice.
10:04 am
Did Qwabe shoot?
Mopp reads from the court records: "The positive result for primer residue is not indicative that Qwabe fired the shot".
"We respectfully submit that there are too many variables for this court to make definitive findings(whether Qwabe shot)."
Mopp now refers to Qwabe's evidence of Mngeni's position in the vehicle.
10:16 am
How many guns?
Qwabe couldn't provide an accurate account of Mngeni or Anni's positions at the time of the shot.
He did concede, however, that Mngeni was on the front seat.
Mopp: "The exact position of the deceased is difficult for the court to make a finding.
"The defence is not submitting that the court makes a finding that Qwabe fired the shot.
"The question of the other firearm. Tongo says there were two firearms. Qwabe said he made endeavours to get a firearm
"During the Mngeni trial, Qwabe denied that he went in search of a firearm."
10:18 am
Evidence was a lie
Mopp: "Any contradictions between Tongo and Qwabe on material matters, must be resolved in Tongo's favour."
Mopp argues that despite Qwabe's vague memory, there is basis for the court to attach sufficient weight to his evidence of the conspiracy and that the agreed to partake in the crime, for a fee of R15,000.
Traverso: "What do you make of Mbolombo's evidence that Tongo received a call from the accused on that Saturday. We know there was no such call."
Mopp: "We know there was no such call. But let's have a look at what he says about that call. The important part is not the call."
Traverso: "But every aspect of that evidence must be a lie."
10:20 am
Hijacking had to work first time
Traverso: "Can the court make a finding that the hijacking had to take place the first time?"
Mopp: "The court can make make a finding My Lady. It is consistent with the factual matrix. There needed to be an end destination.
"You can't just drive from town to see Mzoli's. There is sufficient evidence that the crime had to happen the first time."
"A reason had to be found for the entire group to be in Gugulethu on the second occasion. The accused's version is consistent with that, that the deceased wanted to go back. They'd already been there. Why go back at that time of the night?"
10:22 am
Explanation is 'a quantum leap'
The State's been reduced to arguing one of the witnesses isnt as bad as the other when it comes to Tongo or Qwabe, according to Sky's Alex Crawford.
The state is making a lot of allowances for his witnesses poor memories, she adds.
"Qwabe's inability to recall is not, with respect, akin to him being untruthful", Mopp argues.
10:25 am
Believe this witness more than that one
Mopp tells the judge that if she's going to disbelieve one of his witnesses when they contradict each other, it should be Qwabe, not Tongo.
Mopp: "If Qwabe was in fact the shooter,why would he put himself through coming to court to give evidence twice in Dewani and Mngeni trials?
The prosecutor argues Shrien's claim Anni wanted to go to Gugulethu the second time to "see the nightlife" was inconsistent - they'd been there once already.
10:30 am
Judge picking more holes in evidence
Traverso: "Are you submitting that Mbolombo was a good witness?"
Mopp: "He did start at a deficit. Insofar as his own involvement, he was truthful. I submit that the court cannot dismiss him as an untruthful witness."
Traverso: "[There is a] problem with Stefanus and Mellet's evidence. They present suspicion in the accused's conduct. Then comes Lutchman."
10:36 am
More sinister
Mopp: "They were not trying to convince the court. They both made concessions that the accused was emotional.
"The accused offers an excuse for their return trip to Gugulethu. He takes the suspicion off Tongo. He says 'my wife wanted to see the township'.
"The reason for their return was much more sinister.
"The court is lead to believe that it is completely fortuitous that two people are waiting and lo and behold, the deceased wanted to go back into the township at that exact time?"
10:39 am
Judge agrees
"Was it just fortuitous that these two men were lying in wait and the deceased WANTED to go into the township?" Mopp says.
With this, the Dewani prosecutor scores a rare point and gets a nodding of the judge's head.
Mopp also raises the point that Dewani did not mention to Anni's family in his version of events his trip to money exhange.
10:43 am
Shrien's evidence not tested
Mopp points out that Dewani never disclosed to his family that he went with Tongo to change money on the Saturday morning.
Mopp: "That Shrien Dewani made no mention to Anni's family of the helicopter trip he later said explained his contact with Tongo is a powerful piece of evidence.
"The accused's explanation has not been tested. There is no reference. This is an important bit that cannot be ignored."
10:50 am
Court adjourns for lunch
Traverso: "Why did Tongo go to Mbolombo? Mopp raises a plausible argument....."
Mopp: "My Lady, if the court applies common sense. A young man, growing up in the township, on the straight and narrow, not involved in crime, will be able to tell you exactly where dagga (marijuana) is sold, where drugs can be bought, where alcohol can be bought, who the armed robbers are.
"My Lady, it is not so improbable.
"Of all the fares, why did he (Tongo) choose THIS couple? Why would this be the first fare targeted? There is no indication that he's done it before."
And with that the court adjourns for lunch, and should resume session at noon UK time.
Stay with us though as we will recap yesterday's hearing and see an emotional statement from Anni's family begging Dewani to take the stand.
10:57 am
Anni's family plea part 1
The family of Anni Dewani today pleaded with her murder suspect husband to go into the witness box and answer the allegations against him.
Shrien Dewani is said to have already packed his bags in preparation for his acquittal by a judge in Cape Town and is hoping the case against him will be dismissed without having to register a defence.
Prosecutors have today been putting forward their reasons why Dewani's case should continue after the Bristol businessman's legal team claimed there was no case to answer.
We will provide you with the family's full statement over the next few posts.
Anni Dewani and Sneha Anni Dewani and Sneha
11:20 am
Anni's family plea part 2
Anni's uncle Ashok (pictured on the right below, earlier this year during a TV interview) said: "Shrien Dewani has said all along that he would like to clear his name. We believe the best way for him to do this is to go into the witness box and tell the court what happened.
"We want to hear it in his own words. We have waited four years for this to happen and it would not be right if he does not do it.
"Anni's death put an enormous strain on my family and the prolonged extradition case was almost unbearable.
"We have learned to be patient in the knowledge that the court in Cape Town would examine every bit of evidence."
Wenn
Family members Anish Hindocha and Ashok Hindocha appeared on 'Daybreak' this morning calling for justice Anni Dewani
11:28 am
Anni's family plea part 3
"The time for that is now. We, as a family of somebody who was so cruelly taken from us, expect to hear what he has to say as it has been four very long and difficult years.
"I believe Shrien's own version of events is crucial for us to get closure. If he feels he doesn't owe it to us, then he certainly owes it to his wife.
"There have been many statements given and we know what the other three accused had to say. We need to hear Shrien's version in the court too.
"He has admitted that he had been having sex with gay prostitutes through his lawyers, and that was a shock to us.
"But we as her family desperately need Shrien to go through the events of her murder so that the whole story is told fully and no questions are left unanswered."
ReutersDewani Trial
Vinod Hindocha, the father of murdered Anni Dewani, leaves court in Cape Town on the second day of the murder trial of Shrien Dewani, October 8, 2014
11:38 am
This morning's recap part 1
The men who planned to murder honeymooner Anni Dewani, from Bristol, were not "the A-team of contract killers", a court has been told.
Arguing that the murder case against her husband Shrien Dewani should not be thrown out, prosecutor Adrian Mopp told the Western Cape High Court in South Africa that the murder plot was amateurish and almost comical.
Lawyers for the millionaire businessman have asked a South African judge to throw the case against him out and allow him to return to England.
11:47 am
This morning's recap part 2
Francois van Zyl, defending Dewani, has claimed there are inconsistencies in evidence given against his client.
But countering the defence application, Mr Mopp said: "We know these individuals were not the A-team of contract killers. They could barely organise transport from Khayelitsha to Gugulethu.
"We are dealing with an amateurish attempt. If it were not for the killing of the deceased, it would actually be comical, the manner in which this matter was set about."
11:53 am
This morning's recap part 3
Mr Mopp argued that certain people, with their world view, would expect a level of sophistication in the planning.
Deputy judge president Jeanette Traverso said two of the hitmen, Zola Tongo and Monde Mbolombo, had fairly sophisticated jobs before they lost them.
Mr Mopp replied that that may be so but they were not involved in serious crime and had "vulnerabilities" that made them susceptible to being drawn into this world.
He added that fellow hitmen Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni were in a different category where they had access to illegal firearms and were unemployed.
GettyXolile Mngeni
Xolile Mngeni
12:06 pm
Court to resume session shortly
Court should resume for the afternoon session shortly.
Below we have a picture of Shrien Dewani's father Prakash stepping back into the court building in Cape Town.
The prosecution should resume it's arguments to keep the trial going when we come back in the next few minutes.
12:18 pm
Proceedings resume
And we're back in session now after the lunch time break.
Prosecutor Adrian Mopp will continue with his argument.
Mopp: "There had to be a conspiracy within a conspiracy to falsely implicate the accused. It's almost beyond them."
12:20 pm
No corroboration
Mopp: "Not totally unsatisfactory to draw the proverbial line through it. Tongo was the only person who communicated with the accused."
Traverso: "Is there any corroboration? No, is there?
Mopp:" Indeed, that's the test. I have to make that concession."
12:21 pm
Defence's raises points
Defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl is being given leave to response to a number of points raised by the prosecution.
Van Zyl: "I'm only allowed to reply to the law. I have nothing to say about that. But I have six points on the merits.
"According to his (Qwabe's) plea agreement... "Watti was sitting on the front passenger seat.."
12:28 pm
Time of phone calls
Van Zyl: "Then in his testimony..'I think he was sitting. I think he was at the front seat. He was sitting, had firearm in left hand'.
"Then that phone call from Monde to Qwabe, my learned friend says Monde could only obtain that knowledge from Tongo.
"But from the timeline there was contact at 18:37, then no contact between them (Monde and Zola) at all. Next call, at 21:33.
"My learned friend refers to Mbolombo's affidavit where he said he was not sure who the lady was, in support of Tongo."
12:30 pm
Cross checking State's claims
Defence lawyer has not been idle during lunch, looking up and cross-checking a number of the State's claims.
He is now turning to whether Tongo knew the person to be killed was a business partner or Dewani's wife.
This was a point of some contention earlier in the trial, with contradictory testimony between statements made to police and in court.
12:33 pm
No uncertainty
Van Zyl: "There was no uncertainty here, the person who had to be killed was the wife of this person
"Then, my learned friend makes reference to Tongo's statement. He created the impression that at the time this was happening, he didn't know who these people (Qwabe & Mngeni) are, hence using first man and second man.
"My learned friend make reference to transcripts of what was said to the family. That must be tested. Like I said yesterday..."
12:36 pm
Court adjourned for two weeks
And with that the case has been adjourned for two weeks.
The judge says she wants a proper amount of time to consider her judgment.
The trial will therefore resume on Monday, December 8, when Judge Traverso should announce whether the case will continue or Dewani is acquitted before ever having to take the stand.
12:41 pm
Todays coverage is over
Today's live coverage of day 24 of the Shrien Dewani trial is now over.
After two days the prosecution and the defence put their cases over whether the trial should be scrapped due to a lack of concrete evidence, or whether it should continue.
Judge Traverso will make the final decision in two weeks time. Throughout today's hearing she appeared to observers to be more sympathetic to the defence's argument.
She repeatedly picked holes in the prosecution's case, saying it rested entirely on the testimony of one, unreliable witness.
Whether her concerns are enough to abandon the trial before its normal conclusion remains to be seen.
If she does agree with the defence's application when court resumes on Monday, December 8, Dewani could be home within a matter of days.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 25, 2014, 07:16:40 PM
Can't actually hack this. The Prosecution must all be mad.
But thanks for the colossal effort.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 25, 2014, 07:37:30 PM
Can't actually hack this. The Prosecution must all be mad.
But thanks for the colossal effort.
It all boils down to, all parties, calling all other parties, who do not agree with their opinion.....Liars. Very unprofessional and a bit like a playground skirmish, really. Laughable, if the charges were not so serious against Dewani. Dewani should take the stand and justify his side of the story.......What is he afraid of?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 25, 2014, 08:44:50 PM
It all boils down to, all parties, calling all other parties, who do not agree with their opinion.....Liars. Very unprofessional and a bit like a playground skirmish, really. Laughable, if the charges were not so serious against Dewani. Dewani should take the stand and justify his side of the story.......What is he afraid of?
I can't go with that, Anna, because I don't think that he should be there in the first place.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 25, 2014, 08:48:03 PM
I think that is All the more reason Eleanor, why he should defend himself against the accusations.
So any poor old sod who is accused must defend themselves in Court? Despite the evidence being pretty nearly non existent? You see, anything he can say will only look like excuses. He can't actually prove that he wasn't involved.
Most of The South African Justice System has gone stark, staring mad. But my thoughts on that are not for public consumption.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 25, 2014, 09:28:48 PM
So any poor old sod who is accused must defend themselves in Court? Despite the evidence being pretty nearly non existent? You see, anything he can say will only look like excuses. He can't actually prove that he wasn't involved.
Most of The South African Justice System has gone stark, staring mad. But my thoughts on that are not for public consumption.
Anni's family want him to take the stand, because they need to know what happened to their daughter, from what Dewani knows and can tell the court. If he has nothing to worry about, why would he not want to answer questions honestly? If it was you or I, we would have to answer the questions, I should think, but haven't been in court, so not sure about that. Would I just have someone say it all for me, if I am accused of murder or would I want to clear my good name? What would we have to do, if it was us?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 25, 2014, 09:34:40 PM
Anni's family want him to take the stand, because they need to know what happened to their daughter, from what Dewani knows and can tell the court. If he has nothing to worry about, why would he not want to answer questions honestly? If it was you or I, we would have to answer the questions, I should think, but haven't been in court, so not sure about that. Would I just have someone say it all for me, if I am accused of murder or would I want to clear my good name? What would we have to do, if it was us?
Her family could always actually talk to him. But they believe that he is guilty. Would you want to talk to someone that believed that you were guilty?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 25, 2014, 09:45:06 PM
Her family could always actually talk to him. But they believe that he is guilty. Would you want to talk to someone that believed that you were guilty?
Why do you think that they have come to the conclusion of his guilt? They spoke to their daughter just before she died on that terrible night. I believe that she spoke in Swedish, to achieve privacy. What was all that about? Privacy? They were on honeymoon. I know that in many countries, the justice systems is corrupt, but they can't acquit every murderer, to be safe in the knowledge that justice prevailed . What did the imprisoned murderer and conspirators, have to gain from lying?
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on November 26, 2014, 10:08:34 AM
DailyMail Wednesday, Nov 26th 2014 EXCLUSIVE 'We want to hear the truth in your own words': Anni's family begs Dewani to take the stand as judge says she will decide whether to throw out murder charge on December 8
British businessman appears confident case against him will be dismissed His lawyers have urged judge to dismiss trial before he takes witness box Anni's uncle says her family want to hear Dewani's version for themselves He said: 'If he feels he doesn't owe it to us, he certainly owes it to his wife' By Shekhar Bhatia and Jane Flanagan In Cape Town for MailOnline Published: 08:51, 25 November 2014 | Updated: 13:55, 25 November 2014 The family of Anni Dewani today pleaded with her murder-accused husband to take the witness stand to answer the allegations against him. Shrien Dewani is said to have already packed his bags in preparation for his acquittal by a judge and is hoping the case against him will be dismissed without having to register a defence. But Anni's uncle, Ashok Hindocha, said the family wants to hear his version of events for themselves. It came as prosecutors pressed their case for the trial to continue, arguing that Dewani repeatedly lied about his contact with the man he allegedly hired to kill his wife and blamed her for wanting them to tour a dangerous township on the night of her murder. Prosecutor Adrian Mopp also insisted the men who planned the murder were not 'the A-team of contract killers'. The case was adjourned until Monday, December 8, when the judge will give her ruling.
Anni Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha arrives at the Western Cape High Court in Cape Town where Shrien Dewani's lawyers are appealing to the judge to dismiss the murder charges against him
'All along, that's the only thing we have wanted and if he really loved Anni, as he claims he did, he should want to do that. 'We believe the best way for him to do this is to go into the witness box and tell the court what happened. We want to hear it in his own words. 'We have waited four years for this to happen and it would not be right if he does not do it.'
Dewani's parents Prakash (right) and Snila Dewani (centre) arrive at the high court in Cape Town He added: 'Anni's death put an enormous strain on my family and the prolonged extradition case was almost unbearable. 'We have learned to be patient in the knowledge that the court in Cape Town would examine every bit of evidence. The time for that is now. 'We, as a family of somebody who was so cruelly taken from us, expect to hear what he has to say as it has been four very long and difficult years. 'I believe Shrien's own version of events is crucial for us to get closure. If he feels he doesn't owe it to us, then he certainly owes it to his wife. 'There have been many statements given and we know what the other three accused had to say. 'We need to hear Shrien's version in the court too. 'He has admitted that he had been having sex with gay prostitutes through his lawyers and that was a shock to us. 'But we, as her family, desperately need Shrien to go through the events of her murder so that the whole story is told fully and no questions are left unanswered.'
Dewani family depart court as Shrien denies conspiring to murder Arguing that the case should not be thrown out, prosecutor Adrian Mopp told the Western Cape High Court in South Africa today that the men who planned the honeymoon murder were not 'the A-team of contract killers'. In an often-impassioned argument against Dewani's application to be cleared of all charges, the court was also told how he had lied repeatedly about his contact with the man he allegedly hired to kill his wife and blamed her for wanting them to tour a dangerous township on the night of her murder. In a bundle of arguments against throwing out the case against the wealthy care home owner, the state claimed he repeatedly gave 'falsehoods' in answer to questions from the police, his own family and the family of his murdered wife. Dewani told four separate policemen that it was his wife, Anni, who had wanted to visit Gugulethu on the night of her death. 'This court is asked to believe that it is completely fortuitous that the deceased asked to see the nightlife in the township at the very same time that Qwabe and Mngeni were lying in wait to murder her,' South African prosecutors argued in their 67-page bundle.
 +10 'High spirits': Dewani was pictured yesterday smiling and joking as he moved boxes apparently in preparation for his return to the UK
WHAT IS DEWANI CHARGED WITH?
1. The accused is charged with the following offences: 1.1. conspiracy to commit the offences of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder (count 1); 1.2. kidnapping (count 2); 1.3. robbery with aggravating circumstances (count 3); 1.4. murder (count 4); 1.5. obstructing the administration of justice (count 5). 2. In count 1 it is specifically alleged that the accused conspired with Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni to commit the alleged offences: '... by entering into an agreement with Tongo, in terms of which Tongo would procure the services of a person or persons to do one or more or all of the following: 2.1. simulate a hi-jacking of Tongo's motor vehicle; 2.2. simulate a kidnapping and robbery of Tongo and the accused; and/or 2.3. effect the kidnapping, robbery and murder of the deceased, Anni Dewani, ... and in that, according to the conspiracy agreement, the accused would provide payment to the perpetrators as well as to Tongo for the kidnapping, robbery and murder of the deceased, Anni Dewani'. 3. In counts 2, 3 and 4 it is alleged that the accused, Tongo, Qwabe and Mngeni acted in the furtherance of a common purpose to kidnap the deceased (count 2), to rob the deceased (count 3) and to kill the deceased (count 4). 4. Monde Mbolombo ('Mbolombo') is not alleged to have been part of the conspiracy to commit the offences or to have acted with the others in the furtherance of a common purpose to kidnap, rob or kill the deceased. His alleged role is limited to what is described in the summary of substantial facts as follows: 'Pursuant to the accused's request, on the same day Tongo contacted a friend of his Monde Mbolombo, who put him in touch with Mzimadoda Qwabe.' 5. It follows that it is crucial for the State's case to prove that the accused entered into the alleged conspiracy agreement with Tongo. Failing such proof, the accused cannot be convicted on any of the first four counts against him and accordingly also not on the fifth count. Dewani also lied about his private meetings with Tongo, denying that the two men had spoken again after the driver had dropped them off at the hotel during their Cape Town leg of their honeymoon. CCTV footage reveals that Dewani spent more than ten minutes chatting to Tongo after he and his bride of two weeks had checked in – something he omitted to tell his family, even when he was specifically asked. The state's argument quoted from a meeting that was secretly recorded by a cousin of the dead engineer who had become suspicious of Dewani's behaviour in the aftermath of his wife's death. The recording is evidence before the court and prosecutors quoted Dewani blatantly misleading his own brother, Preyen. PREYEN: So this guy, you haven't spoken to him [Tongo] again that night [after being dropped off on Friday 12 November] SHRIEN: No uh, uh, Zola we'd uh, he left us, when he dropped us at six and that was it. Yeah!' He also omitted to tell the meeting - which had been called to smooth tensions over between the families of Dewani and his dead bride - that he had seen Tongo on the following afternoon, when the driver took him to a black market money changer – allegedly to get the cash to pay for the 'hit' on his wife. Instead, Dewani claimed that he had not seen Tongo until he picked the newlyweds up to take them out later that evening for their last fateful dinner - which, if true, would not have given the men sufficiently opportunity to plot a murder. Such 'falsehoods' could not be explained away, since the court had yet to hear any reason for Dewani's varying explanations, prosecuting authorities claimed. Earlier, Mr Mopp admitted to the court that the conspiracy to kill Mrs Dewani had been chaotic, hastily-planned and almost 'comical, if it were not for the tragic consequences that flowed from it'. He asked the court 'not expect a level of sophistication' from Tongo, and hitmen Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe, who were 'desperate' to make 'easy money' from a contract killing of a woman. 'We aren't dealing with an A-Team of contract killers,' Mr Mopp told the Western Cape High Court. 'They could barely organise transport from Khayelitsha to Gugulethu. We are dealing with an amateurish attempt. 'If it were not for the killing of the deceased, it would actually be comical, the manner in which this matter was set about.' Throughout the prosecutor's speech to the court, Dewani remained animated – often glancing towards the press benches to see how reporters were responding to the arguments. Occasionally, he mouthed his own commentary, and made exaggerated expressions of incredulity. 'Really?' he mimed, ' no way' he mouthed later, shaking his head wildly as Mr Mopp's told Judge Jeanette Traverso that the murder plan may have been haphazard in its organisation, but it didn't mean that it was beyond the realms of possibility. Dewani's brother, who is an Oxford law graduate and has sat behind the defence team for every day of the six week trial, chewed gum and openly smirked as Mr Mopp was forced to concede that even basic details of the murder plot, which the state claims was masterminded by Dewani, had not been thrashed out. His sister Preyal, who has also been in court every day, sat in her usual place next to her mother, Snila, leaning forward listening to every word of the state's argument. Yesterday, Dewani's lawyer launched a blistering attack on the prosecution case that he masterminded a plot to have his Swedish bride kidnapped and murdered on their honeymoon in an application to have all charges against him dismissed. However, even if the judge rules that there is a case for Dewani to answer, it seems increasingly likely that the wealthy businessman will eventually be freed to return to Britain, without ever facing tough questions in the witness box. His lawyers may well choose not to offer any evidence and still be confident of having Dewani acquitted. The state's case against him appears to be sufficiently threadbare - following a string of successful applications by the defence to have some testimony excluded - to secure his acquittal without the need to mount a defence of five charges, including murder and robbery.
Dewani is charged with five counts relating to the kidnapping and murder of his wife of two weeks, Anni, (pictured) in a carjacking during their honeymoon to Cape Town in November 2010 Francois van Zyl reminded the court that it was not the job of the defence to prove his client's innocence, but for the state to make a case against him. Dewani has changed his story about the events leading up to his wife's murder, in November 2010, on a number of occasions – in statements to police and media interviews. 'Even if the accused is a poor witness, the court cannot use that as credible evidence,' Mr van Zyl conceded yesterday. By the end of yesterday's court session, the frequent interjections of the judge suggested she was open to the defence's view that evidence about the plot to kidnap and kill Mrs Dewani had failed to establish that her new husband was behind it. 'Yes, there was a hijack. Yes, Anni was shot. But there is no evidence Shrien Dewani was involved,' Francois van Zyl had told the Western Cape High Court. In a 167-page bundle of arguments in favour of throwing out the case against his client, Mr van Zyl honed in on the testimony of the state's star witness – Zola Tongo, the taxi driver who claims he was hired by Dewani to organise the murder. Since he was the only one of the killers who spoke directly to Dewani, the strength of the state's case rested on Tongo's reliability as a witness. Putting aside the many inconsistencies between Tongo's various statements to police and evidence to the court, the fact that he agreed to organise a murder at the request of a complete stranger was one of 'many improbabilities' on which the case against Dewani is built. Dewani is applying for his trial to be halted without needing to mount a defence on the grounds that the six week trial has presented 'no evidence on which a reasonable court, acting carefully, might convict.' If the judge grants his application, the wealthy businessman would be cleared on all charges and allowed to return to Britain as a free man – perhaps by the end of this week.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on November 29, 2014, 11:36:16 AM
I have every sympathy for AD's family. The fact they had to learn SD was engaging in sexual encounters with male prostitutes etc while in an intimate relationship with AD must be quite literally gut wrenching for them. They must feel very angry about this and the fact if it was a bungled robbery SD escaped and AD was murdered.
I'm inclined to see it as a robbery, and possibly anticipated rape, that went badly wrong with the grieving relatives directing their anger at SD.
I thought a decision was to be made during the week whether or not the case was to be thrown out.
This article appears to be suggesting the judge has acted unlawfully but this seems to stem from campaigners for AD. Reference to an international criminal lawyer is mentioned but no name &%+((£
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Eleanor on November 29, 2014, 12:11:28 PM
Right. I am not going to say any more about this.
However, The Prosecution Case is utter crap. And if they can't do any better than this thus far, then best they concede defeat. And I wouldn't give you tuppence bleeding happeny for South African Justice that gives an admitted perpetrator a reduced sentence for putting the blame on someone else.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: lane99 on December 03, 2014, 07:00:36 PM
It's your argument that's utter crap. As well as your understanding of the case.
Amongst other bogus arguments you've made, Tongo did not get a reduced sentence for saying Dewani arranged a hit. He got an INCREASED sentence over what he would have gotten if he had backed Dewani's version of events (accidental killing in the course of a sexual assault that was not part of a robbery scheme and that occurred after Tongo had left the scene).
Therefore, by the corollary of your own reasoning that testimony that merits a reduced sentence is suspect (which is certainly true), you should admit that it is VERY improbable that Tongo would invent a lie that included a murder conspiracy where none existed. For a confession that increases a person's legal liablity and sentence over other available confessions he could have fabricated is that much more credible and likely to be true. For, simply put, people don't invent lies that get them into more trouble than the truth would have.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Holly Goodhead on December 03, 2014, 10:03:03 PM
It's your argument that's utter crap. As well as your understanding of the case.
Amongst other bogus arguments you've made, Tongo did not get a reduced sentence for saying Dewani arranged a hit. He got an INCREASED sentence over what he would have gotten if he had backed Dewani's version of events (accidental killing in the course of a sexual assault that was not part of a robbery scheme and that occurred after Tongo had left the scene).
Therefore, by the corollary of your own reasoning that testimony that merits a reduced sentence is suspect (which is certainly true), you should admit that it is VERY improbable that Tongo would invent a lie that included a murder conspiracy where none existed. For a confession that increases a person's legal liablity and sentence over other available confessions he could have fabricated is that much more credible and likely to be true. For, simply put, people don't invent lies that get them into more trouble than the truth would have.
Not sure if you have access to info over and above that available to the general public Lane99; if not it seems to me Eleanor is about right based on press articles such as the following:
"Mr Tongo claims Mr Dewani offered to pay £850 for his wife Anni to be killed in a staged carjacking and received a reduced sentence for his part in the crime by turning state witness against him".
I have every sympathy for AD's family. The fact they had to learn SD was engaging in sexual encounters with male prostitutes etc while in an intimate relationship with AD must be quite literally gut wrenching for them. They must feel very angry about this and the fact if it was a bungled robbery SD escaped and AD was murdered.
I'm inclined to see it as a robbery, and possibly anticipated rape, that went badly wrong with the grieving relatives directing their anger at SD.
I thought a decision was to be made during the week whether or not the case was to be thrown out.
This article appears to be suggesting the judge has acted unlawfully but this seems to stem from campaigners for AD. Reference to an international criminal lawyer is mentioned but no name &%+((£
Just reading back on the post above where I have made ref to "gut wrenching" and have since read that AD's mother is recovering from stomach cancer. Can't help wondering if it was brought on by the stress and upset. 8(8-))
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on December 08, 2014, 10:29:00 AM
Part1
10.05 Aislinn Laing has this summary from court:
At this stage, no one apart from Judge Traverso and the two assessors sitting either side of her in court, who will help her to reach her judgement, know what that is.
But it hasn't stopped fevered speculation about what it will be, and a frantic scouring of her words for some clue as to whether Mr Dewani will be on his way home soon, or taking the witness stand in his defence.
The judge has said the case will stand or fall on the evidence of the taxi driver Zola Tongo, the only person who has given a first-hand account of Mr Dewani's involvement.
She has already spent a half an hour tearing that evidence apart, saying it was "riddled with inconsistencies", in parts "virtually incomprehensible" and his version given in court "totally irreconcilable" with what he had said in his affidavit to police.
She has raised the fact that Mr Tongo either shrugged, blamed mistakes on the police affidavit or the court record, as well as seemingly inventing evidence to patch up bits of his story that was not believable. To the obvious chagrin of the two prosecutors sitting in their usual spots in court today, the judge is being particularly meticulous in tearing this evidence apart. On the other side of the bench, Mr Dewani's barrister Francois Van Zyl is sitting with his eyes closed, nodding fervently from time to time.
Although the judge has also made clear that the credibility of witnesses in a decision whether to throw a case out early should play only a limited part, it's hard to see how she can decide that there is enough evidence for her to convict when she clearly doesn't believe a word said by the state's key witness.
Which leads us to the question of what happens next. Outside court, rumours swirl of a last-minute, urgent application for Mr Dewani to be kept in the country while the state appeals the judge's decision. I've been told that Mr Dewani's family has a private plane awaiting him on the tarmac at Cape Town's nearby airport, or that there's a safe-house where he'll be squirreled away until the inevitable storm that would follow his acquittal at this stage dies down.
In court today is the national spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority, which fought so hard for Mr Dewani's extradition back to South Africa and has put together the case against him. If I were a betting woman, I think he might find himself facing some fairly tough questions fairly soon.
10.00 The judge says there are aspects of Tongo's evidence that incriminate Dewani, but his evidence was of such poor quality it is hard to know where the lies end and the truth begins. She now moves on to the evidence of Qwabe and Mbolombo.
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Dewani, standing in the dock, is beginning to look hopeful. Anni's father Vinod Hindocha is chewing gum furiously and looking at him.</noframe>
09.59 Judge Traverso says the ultimate test is whether the court is satisfied the story is essentially true, quoting case law.
09.54 Judge Traverso says she cannot accept that Dewani would co-opt Tongo to kill so quickly. She is also unconvinced that Tongo would be willing to ge involved.
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Traverso: "Apart from the contradictions, the entire story as told by Mr Tongo is highly improbable." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23dewanitrial" target="_blank">#dewanitrial</a> live</noframe>
09.45 It looks like Shrien Dewani, dressed in a dark suit and tie, will be standing for a while. Judge Traverso continues to read from a lengthy document summarising the evidence.
Dewani's family are to his right in court. Anni's family are to his left and apparently are not happy:
<noframe>Twitter: Alex Crawford - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23DewaniTrial" target="_blank">#DewaniTrial</a> Anni's fathr is staring at Dewani with open contempt, brows furrowed</noframe>
09.38 Judge Traverso continues to summarise evidence.
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Judge is back after short adjournment. Tongo's explanations, in cross-examination, of inconsistencies were "simply not credible". <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23Dewani" target="_blank">#Dewani</a></noframe>
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Judge refers scathingly to taxi driver Tongo's claim that "the record is wrong" if it didn't tally with what he said. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23DewaniTrial" target="_blank">#DewaniTrial</a></noframe>
09.32 The judge has returned to court. She asks Dewani to stand.
09.15 The court has adjourned for a tea break.
09.12 The judge is still criticising the taxi driver's evidence. Even if the trial is allowed to continue, this shows how dissatisfied she is with the State's case.
09.05 Judge Traverso says that the testimony of the two other middle men, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Monde Mbolombo "contradict Mr Tongo on just about every aspect of their interaction".
But she added that credibility played a "limited role" at this stage.
Here is a summary of their evidence from Aislinn Laing:
Robert Zola Tongo - taxi driver
Tongo, who is serving 18 years for his part in Mrs Dewani’s murder, told how the British businessman promised to pay him R5,000 (£284) for arranging for two “hitmen” to have someone “taken out of sight”, within half an hour of their meeting at Cape Town’s International Airport.
Mr Tongo said he agreed because he needed the money. He said that after the carjacking, Mr Dewani pestered him with questions about “whether the job was done” as they waited for news at the couple’s luxury hotel, and later handed him an envelope of cash in a plastic bag that amounted to just R1,000.
Both encounters between the two men were captured on CCTV – Mr Dewani’s legal team said Mr Dewani was only enquiring after Tongo’s wellbeing and had paid for the taxi driver’s legitimate services because he felt sorry for him. Mr Tongo was criticised by the defence for contradicting his earlier accounts in his testimony to the court.
Monde Mbolombo – the “middle man” who put Tongo in touch with carjackers
Mr Mbolombo, who was given immunity from prosecution in return for his testimony at hitman Xolile Mngeni’s trial, admitted he lied about the extent of role in his evidence then.
He told how Tongo contacted after him to say he had a client who wanted his wife killed, and he put him in touch with a friend from the township. He said he coordinated the attack in a series of phone calls on the night of the carjacking.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe
One of the two men who forced the Dewani’s taxi off the road, and serving a 25-year jail sentence for his part in the crime. Qwabe said the couple’s taxi driver contacted him through a middle man and said his client, Mr Dewani, wanted his wife killed “but it had to look like a hijacking".
He denied the suggestion that he had fired the fatal shot at Mrs Dewani, since gunshot residue was found on the gloves he wore to drive the carjacked vehicle. Qwabe was a contradictory and at times evasive witness. He told the court he received a text message from the taxi driver confirming the “hit” hours before, saying: “the husband wanted the job done that night”. He said he and his co-attacker took R14,000 (£800) in cash from the car.
Xolile Mngeni was serving life for firing the shot that killed Mrs Dewani, but died in prison from a brain tumour in October.
09.00 From Aislinn Laing in court:
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Judge says Tongo made a "serious mistake" by contradicting earlier statement to police in the witness box. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23DewaniTrial" target="_blank">#DewaniTrial</a></noframe>
08.51 The judge says the evidence of taxi driver Zola Tongo was "riddled with contradictions".
08.45
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - The public gallery is packed with lawyers and people from the township where Anni's body was found as Judge Traverso reads out her judgement</noframe>
08.32 Defence laywers said the evidence of taxi driver Zola Tongo, who is already serving 18 years in jail for Mrs Dewani's murder, was unreliable. Judge Traverso said: "It is crucial for the state to prove that Mr Dewani entered into an agreement with Zola Tongo the taxi driver."
<noframe>Twitter: James Grant - Traverso taken the view that everything turns on Tongo's evidence.</noframe>
08.12 The Telegraph's Aislinn Laing is in court:
<noframe>Twitter: Aislinn Laing - Shrien Dewani is staring at the judge, lips pursed, jaw set. His lawyer has his eyes shut and fist pressed to his forehead. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=hash&q=%23ShrienDewani" target="_blank">#ShrienDewani</a></noframe>
08.00 A South African judge is ruling on whether charges that British businessman Shrien Dewani murdered his bride on their honeymoon should be thrown out of court.
Dewani's lawyers applied for his discharge at the end of the state's case, arguing that the evidence against him was so weak he should be acquitted without even having to mount a defence.
But the dead woman's family has urged Western Cape High Court Judge Jeannette Traverso to force Dewani to testify.
"Don't let Shrien Dewani walk away without giving us, South Africa and people from all over the world the full story," Anni Dewani's brother Anish Hindocha told a news conference last week.
Prosecutors say Dewani, 34, hired hitmen to kill his 28-year-old Swedish bride Anni in a staged hijacking because he is a gay man who felt trapped into marriage by family pressures.
Dewani says he is bisexual and loved Anni.
Both families - the Dewanis and the Hindochas - are of Indian origin, and have sat on opposite sides of the courtroom throughout weeks of sensational testimony.
The driver of the hijacked taxi and one of the hijackers - both serving long jail terms for the murder - testified that Dewani hired them for 15,000 rand ($1,300) to kill his wife.
Dewani's lawyer, Francois van Zyl, argued that their evidence was full of contradictions and "cannot safely be relied upon".
According to South Africa's Criminal Procedure Act, an accused can be declared not guilty at the close of the prosecution's case if the court feels there is insufficient evidence to show he or she committed the crime.
If the judge drops the charges, he would be free to return to Britain immediately.
It's your argument that's utter crap. As well as your understanding of the case.
Amongst other bogus arguments you've made, Tongo did not get a reduced sentence for saying Dewani arranged a hit. He got an INCREASED sentence over what he would have gotten if he had backed Dewani's version of events (accidental killing in the course of a sexual assault that was not part of a robbery scheme and that occurred after Tongo had left the scene).
Therefore, by the corollary of your own reasoning that testimony that merits a reduced sentence is suspect (which is certainly true), you should admit that it is VERY improbable that Tongo would invent a lie that included a murder conspiracy where none existed. For a confession that increases a person's legal liablity and sentence over other available confessions he could have fabricated is that much more credible and likely to be true. For, simply put, people don't invent lies that get them into more trouble than the truth would have.
So rude, so agressive, so wrong.......
____________ "Tongo denied he knew Mitchell and said his account was "all lies" but admitted initially denying involvement in the hijacking before changing his evidence to admit involvement and testify against Mr Dewani.
He said he did this "because what I did was wrong". He was jailed for 18 years, instead of 25, as a result of agreeing to testify."
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: dewanifacts on August 05, 2015, 02:54:36 PM
It's your argument that's utter crap. As well as your understanding of the case.
Amongst other bogus arguments you've made, Tongo did not get a reduced sentence for saying Dewani arranged a hit. He got an INCREASED sentence over what he would have gotten if he had backed Dewani's version of events (accidental killing in the course of a sexual assault that was not part of a robbery scheme and that occurred after Tongo had left the scene).
Therefore, by the corollary of your own reasoning that testimony that merits a reduced sentence is suspect (which is certainly true), you should admit that it is VERY improbable that Tongo would invent a lie that included a murder conspiracy where none existed. For a confession that increases a person's legal liablity and sentence over other available confessions he could have fabricated is that much more credible and likely to be true. For, simply put, people don't invent lies that get them into more trouble than the truth would have.
Your name pops up a lot in forums, Lane99. Always the same points verbatim. Often mirroring the sentiments of justice4anni. With regard to Tongo's reduced sentence, you have pushed the same nonsensical argument for years, but just because you say it many times does not make it correct. Tongo pled up to a more serious crime, because he gained leverage by doing so. It allowed him to negotiate a much lower sentence in exchange for his fabricated testimony in Shrien Dewani's trial. Tongo’s lawyer William Da Grass was asked by The Guardian to explain why Tongo changed his story and pled up to a more serious crime. De Grass answered candidly “The weight of the evidence against him. I don’t think we had much of a chance. We could have gone to trial, infuriated the judge and got close to a hundred years.”
I daresay Tongo's lawyer is in a better position to know, than you are.
The last few paragraphs of this article (https://dewanifacts.wordpress.com/2015/08/03/the-truth-is-in-the-confessions-2/) detail Tongo's rationale for taking a plea deal.
Title: Re: Shrien Dewani trial commences in Capetown.
Post by: Anna on August 20, 2015, 05:55:35 PM
Does anyone know what happened with this inquest? My apologies if I missed it
Dewani inquest postponed
2015-02-22 14:11
Johannesburg - A meeting to determine if an inquest into the death of Anni Dewani will be reopened has been postponed for another month, the Sunday Independent reported.
The meeting, which was to be held in London this week, was postponed due to the unavailability of the parties involved, Anni's uncle Ashok Hindocha told the paper.
The meeting is expected to include the North London coroner as well as the families of Anni Dewani (the Hindochas) and Shrien Dewani.
Dewani was acquitted of Anni's murder by Western Cape High Court Deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso in December. Traverso ruled there was not enough evidence to convict him.
If the inquest proceeded, Dewani could be asked to testify about his wife's murder, which he did not do during his trial in South Africa.
Defeating ends of justice
According to UK law, a coroner must investigate all unexplained or sudden deaths of its citizens abroad.
After a lengthy and costly extradition process, Dewani went on trial in Cape Town in October for allegedly plotting with shuttle driver Zola Tongo and others to kill Anni while they were on honeymoon in November 2010.
Dewani pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice. He claimed the couple was hijacked while Tongo drove them through Gugulethu in his minibus on 13 November 2010.
Tongo is serving an 18-year jail term and Mziwamadoda Qwabe a 25-year jail term for their role in the murder. Xolile Mngeni was serving life in jail for firing the shot that killed Anni, but died in prison from a brain tumour on 18 October.
Hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo was granted immunity from prosecution on two charges during Mngeni's trial.