Three accused over honeymoon murder appear in court

Three men accused of kidnapping and murdering a woman on her honeymoon appeared today in court in South Africa.

Anni Dewani, 28, from Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, was shot dead after gunmen hijacked her and husband Shrien's taxi on November 13 as they were travelling through Gugulethu township, Cape Town.

Mr Dewani and the driver of the car, Zola Tonga, 31, from Bothasig, were forced from the car and flagged down a motorist for help.

Mrs Dewani's body was discovered in the abandoned car the next day.

Xolile Mngeni, 26, from Khayelitsha, Tonga, from Bothasig, and Mzwamadoda Qwabe, 26, from Khayelitsha, appeared at Wynberg Regional Court in Cape Town.

The trio face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and kidnapping.

They are alleged to have robbed Mrs Dewani of her expensive wristwatch, a white-gold and diamond bracelet, her handbag and her mobile phone.

The case was adjourned until December 6.

The Dewanis, from Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, had only been married for a fortnight when they were attacked.

Mr Dewani, 31, was said to be in a "dreadful state" following the attack and is now receiving medical assistance to help him deal with the trauma.

A South African police spokesman refused to comment on the hearing.