Honeymoon suspect gets legal aid

2010-11-25 12:00

Cape Town - Xolile Mngeni, the first suspect arrested for the alleged murder of honeymooning tourist Anni Dewani, is to have free legal representation from the Legal Aid Board.

He appeared in the Wynberg Regional court before magistrate Jackie Redelinghuys on Thursday, in his second appearance since his arrest on November 16.

The State was represented by senior counsel Rodney de Kock, the director of the Western Cape Directorate for Public Prosecutions. He told the court that Mngeni has been granted free legal representation.

The sole purpose of Thursday's proceedings was to resolve the issue of legal representation for him. His two co-accused, Mziwamadoda Lennox Qwadi and Zola Robert Tonga have already appointed privately funded legal representation.

Back in court on Monday

Redelinghuys informed Mngeni that he would again appear in court with his two co-accused on Monday.

Redelinghuys remanded him until Monday.

The three men face charges of premeditated murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and kidnapping.

Both the murder and robbery charges carry sentences of life imprisonment.

On the robbery charge, they are alleged to have robbed Dewani of her expensive wristwatch, a white-gold and diamond bracelet, her handbag and her cellphone.

Her husband Shrien has returned to the UK.

- SAPA