Dewani verdict ‘a milestone’

Published Nov 20, 2012

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Johannesburg - The guilty verdict handed down to Xolile Mngeni for the murder of honeymoon tourist Anni Dewani was a milestone for the country's judicial system, government said on Tuesday.

“The ruling ... reaffirms that crime is not to be tolerated in South Africa,” said Cabinet spokeswoman Phumla Williams.

Western Cape High Court Judge Robert Henney found Mngeni, 25, guilty on Monday of robbery with aggravating circumstances, premeditated murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He was acquitted on a kidnapping charge, as this formed part of a single chain of events leading up to the murder.

Dewani was shot dead in Gugulethu on November 13, 2010, in an allegedly faked hijacking.

The ruling was a warning to those who committed crimes against women and children in particular, said Williams.

“We acknowledge and commend the law enforcement agencies for their role in ensuring that the law takes its course.” - Sapa

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