Pre-trial hearing for hired killer in Dewani murder case

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The High Court holds a pre-trial hearing for Xolile Mngeni, one of two South African men accused of kidnapping and assaulting Anni Dewani, a Swedish national who was shot during her honeymoon last November.

In a hearing on August 8, co-accused Mziwamadoda Qwabe confessed to having been hired by Anni Dewani's husband to stage a robbery and kill his newly wedded wife. Following the confession, the jury asked for the cases of the two accused to be separated. 

Mngeni is being treated for a brain tumour causing doubt as to whether he understands the court's proceedings. A neuro-psychologist's report during the hearing will shed further light upon his condition. 

The alleged mastermind behind the murder, Anni's British husband Shrien Dewani, is being treated for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in the UK where he awaits his extradition hearing on September 12.