Mngeni's girlfriend may testify
2012-10-24 18:32
Cape Town - A girlfriend of one of the alleged killers of tourist Anni Dewani may testify in his defence, the Western Cape High Court heard on Wednesday.
"We seemingly have to make means for her to come from the Eastern Cape. I think that's the one that was mentioned to be in Johannesburg," lawyer Qalisile Dayimani, for Xolile Mngeni, told the court.
He said it might take time for the witness to get to Cape Town and that a long postponement might be needed.
Mngeni has pleaded not guilty to robbing, hijacking and killing Dewani in Gugulethu, on 13 November 2010.
He testified this week that he was with his girlfriend that night. He said she could be called as an alibi witness, but later revealed it would be difficult to locate her as she had since moved to Johannesburg and he had lost contact with her.
Judge Robert Henney asked if he would be able to show the police where her family stayed in Khayelitsha, to get her phone number and her new address. Mngeni said that would not be a problem.
On Wednesday, Dayimani spoke of other possible witnesses.
"I am contemplating three alibi witnesses. I'm not sure of a fourth one."
He previously mentioned that a doctor would take the stand to provide "clinical notes on the injury sustained by Mngeni during 2009".
Mngeni apparently hurt his left hand and was hospitalised for a lengthy period.
The lawyer argued at the time that, without the full use of his hand, it would have been impossible for Mngeni to fire a gun.
- SAPA
