Anni Dewani: pain lingers seven years on
SEVEN years after her brutal murder while on honeymoon in South Africa, Anni Dewani’s still grieving family returned on Monday to the spot where her ashes were scattered, to pray.
“We bought Anni’s favourite flowers – white roses – and went to the beach to say a prayer. It’s what we do every year,” her father Vinod Hindocha, 67, told POST from his home in Mariestad, Sweden.
Hindocha still holds out hope for one thing – that he and his family get justice for her murder.
Dewani’s husband, British businessman Shrien Dewani, was initially charged for murder after she was shot during an apparent hijacking in Gugulethu, Cape Town, in 2010.
However, he was acquitted on December 8, 2014, and left South Africa the following day.
Anni’s family said they had had no contact with him since then.
“I have no idea (where he is); we have no connection with the family,” said Hindocha.
He said life had been tough on their family since Anni’s death.
Her mother, Nilam, was diagnosed with cancer, while her father’s right arm was severed in 2015, while carrying out repairs on a lift.
“Nilam’s health is up and down… and I have been home since my accident,” he said.
Hindocha said the pain of losing their daughter remained with them.
“Every night I pray I get justice. “Every single night, I say, ‘God, give me justice’.”
The family have lost all their appeals against the acquittal and have no further legal recourse.
Hindocha said his daughter would have celebrated her 35th birthday this year.
He said he would “never” return to South Africa.
“It hurts so much. But we take each day as it comes.”
Three people were convicted for Anni’s death.
Xolile Mngeni was jailed for life in 2012, and died two years later from a brain tumour.
Taxi driver Zola Tongo was jailed for 18 years and Mziwamadoda Qwabe received 25 years.