New Details Emerge on Shrien Dewani

(Posted on 13/07/11)

"She was my daughter for 28 days and his wife for 17 days." - Vinod Hindocha, Anni Dewani's father.

Is it possible Shrien Dewani texted his wife's murderer as she sat next to him in the back of a taxi cab only moments before she died in 2010 while honeymooning in South Africa?? Zola Tongo, who was the taxi driver who drove the couple around on that fateful road tour says that's exactly what Dewani did. Tongo has since confessed to his part in the crime and is currently serving 18 years in prison. Dewani and his lawyer remain adamant in his declarations of not being involved. Two more suspects, Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda
Qwabe, are awaiting trial. Now, though, the proverbial water has been muddied further.

In a documentary that aired this week in the UK, there are new concerns that Dewani may have been involved with a male prostitute as well as other men who have come forward. The German Master, as the prostitute refers to himself, says he had multiple sexual encounters with Dewani. Dewani, through his attorney, has denied those allegations. There were questions earlier in the case as to why his lawyer in South Africa withdrew only weeks after agreeing to represent him. Attorney Billy Gundelfinger told the media in 2010, after withdrawing, that "lawyers merely withdraw from cases all the time...my withdrawal was amicable".

Dewani's family continues its efforts of keeping their son from being extradited to South Africa. If he's convicted and sentenced to jail there, it's believed he won't be safe from prison violence, especially considering his actions resulted in the murder of a woman. Customs in the South African prison system make perpetrators of crime against women a dishonorable act and often results in their becoming targets for gang violence.

Meanwhile, Anni Dewani's family continues to grieve for their beloved family member. Her sister spoke out in the documentary and said that she and Anni found it strange that Dewani did not consummate their marriage during their honeymoon. She stated her sister was upset and afraid that she wasn't attractive enough for her new husband.

For now, and according to Dewani's solicitor in the UK, Clare Montgomery QC, the family is holding out hope that the extradition will not take place and cite Dewani's deteriorating health as the reason. Other solicitors in the region say it's far more likely he will be sent back to South Africa to face charges as a four day hearing draws near in mid-July.