Dewani accused ‘was not assaulted’

THE investigating officer in Anni Dewani’s murder has rejected a claim that he tried to force a man into accepting a plea bargain.

Captain Paul Hendrikse told the Western Cape High Court yesterday that he could not have “forced” anything on Xolile Mngeni, 25, on November 18 2010 at the Directorate for Priority Crimes building in Bellville.

“Definitely no. I wasn’t there… I was on my way home from the Cape Town stadium after watching a soccer game… I only got home at 1.15am,” he said.

The officer had apparently walked from the stadium to a train station with about 12 other people.

Qalisile Dayimani, for Mngeni, asked why his client was booked out of Bellville police cells that morning between 1.20am and 4.30am.

He claimed Hendrikse and other officers had tortured his client for three hours.

Dewani was killed in Gugulethu on November 13 2010, in an apparent hijacking while on honeymoon with her husband Shrien.

Mngeni has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The investigating officer said he believed Mngeni was booked out early in the morning to accompany a police unit to Khayelitsha, to point out a cellphone he apparently sold to a schoolteacher.

His testimony matched that of the schoolteacher, who testified previously that she had been visited by police on November 18 that year.

Hendrikse testified that Mngeni was never assaulted at any time from his arrest to the day he appeared in court.

“No assault took place on this accused. None I am aware of. I can say, it definitely didn't happen.”

The trial continues. – Sapa