Shrien Dewani 'fourth suspect' in SA honeymoon killing
- Published
Karen Allen says lawyers for Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe are pressing for a swift trial
Shrien Dewani will be added as a fourth suspect accused of the honeymoon murder of his bride Anni if he is extradited, a South African court has heard.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 25, and Xolile Mngeni, 23, are charged with killing Mrs Dewani, who was shot dead when her taxi was hijacked in November 2010.
But South African authorities believe Mr Dewani, of Bristol, is also involved and have applied for his extradition.
Mr Dewani denies any involvement and has appealed against his extradition.
Senior state advocate Shareen Riley told the Western Cape High Court in South Africa Mr Dewani would appear with Mr Qwabe and Mr Mngeni.
The pair appeared at the court at a pre-trial hearing before Judge Andre le Grange.
Body in car
Ms Riley asked for the court to schedule a pre-trial conference for 13 April as a judgement over Mr Dewani's appeal is awaited.
Anni and Shrien Dewani had taken a taxi through Gugulethu township when it was hijacked in November 2010.
Mr Dewani was released unharmed but his wife's body was later found in the abandoned car.
Mr Dewani denies any involvement in the killing of his 28-year-old wife but a judge said in August he should be sent to South Africa to stand trial.
The South African authorities have accused him of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and obstructing the administration of justice.
'Life endangered'
He is appealing against the decision to extradite him and a judgement from the High Court is expected soon.
Mr Dewani's lawyers argue his life and health would be endangered if he were to be held in a South African jail.
Last April Mr Dewani was sectioned under the Mental Health Act to a psychiatric unit for his own protection, and in November he was sectioned again for a further six months following reports of a deterioration in his condition.
Mr Qwabe and Mr Mngeni are expected to appear in court again on 13 April.
Taxi driver Zola Tongo, 31, from Cape Town, has admitted his part in the killing and has been jailed for 18 years as part of a plea bargain.