Sister calls for Anni's killer to be jailed for life

A JUDGE has started deliberations in the sentencing of a man convicted of murdering honeymooner Anni Dewani.

Xolile Mngeni, 25, was found guilty last week of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He is the third man to face justice for the killing of Mrs Dewani in South Africa, where she was on honeymoon with her husband, Westbury-on-Trym businessman Shrien Dewani.

A sentencing hearing began yesterday with a call from prosecutors to ensure Xolile is given a life sentence, citing his lack of remorse and the "greed" which motivated the killer's involvement in the crime, describing him as "a person devoid of any morality".

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Judge Robert Henney said he would consider Xolile's medical condition – he has recently been given the all-clear after being treated for a brain tumour – before deciding on a sentence.

But he criticised the defendant for not making a plea bargain as the other two defendants in the case had done.

"I don't know if he was badly advised, stubborn or just plain stupid," the judge said.

Anni's sister Ami Denborg has called for Xolile to be jailed for life, saying: "He pulled the trigger and he deserves to be behind bars."

Mrs Dewani, 28, was shot in an apparent carjacking as the newlyweds travelled by taxi through the outskirts of Cape Town. Her husband, 32, and driver Zola Tongo were ejected from the car before Mrs Dewani was driven away and killed.

Mr Dewani denies claims he ordered his bride's murder in the incident in November 2010. He is fighting extradition and is currently being held at the Fromeside Clinic, a secure mental health unit in Fishponds, after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.