Illness postpones Dewani trial

2012-09-04 17:18

Xolile Mngeni is seen at the Western Cape High Court. (File, AP)

Cape Town - The trial of a man accused of killing honeymoon tourist Anni Dewani was postponed by the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.

Qalisile Dayimani, for Xolile Mngeni, said his client was not feeling well and had vomited blood during the lunch break.

He advised that Mngeni needed to be seen by a doctor and that his trial be postponed.

Dewani was killed in Gugulethu on 13 November 2010, in an apparent hijacking while on honeymoon with her husband Shrien.

Mngeni has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He has been found fit to stand trial despite having a malignant brain tumour.

The State was to have called a new witness after the lunch break.

Prosecutor Shareen Riley said someone had interfered with this witness.

He was apparently approached by Mngeni's brother, who had offered him money to leave for the Eastern Cape.

Judge Robert Henney said it was necessary for Mngeni to be taken to the Victoria Hospital, in Wynberg, and there was option other than to postpone.

He asked that Dayimani bring a medical certificate when the trial resumes on Wednesday.

- SAPA