Dewani killer dead in prison: Hit man Xolile Mngeni dies of cancer

Mngeni's death rules him out as a witness in the ongoing murder trial of Anni's British husband Shrien, who is accused of masterminding her murder

Xolile Mngeni was sentenced to life after being convicted for the murder of Anni Dewani in November 2012 (Rex)

One of the men convicted over the killing of the Swedish bride Anni Dewani on her honeymoon in South Africa has died in prison.

Xolile Mngeni, who was sentenced to life after being convicted for murder in November 2012, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour while awaiting trial in 2011.

He was denied parole on medical grounds in July of this year.

According to Leigh-Anne Jansen, a reporter for South Africa's eNC News, Mngeni died shortly after 2pm local time at Goodwood Prison in Cape Town. South Africa's Department of Correctional Services are due to make a statement tomorrow.

Mngeni was found guilty of pulling the trigger and killing Mrs Dewani in the Gugulethu township near Cape Town in November 2010.

(PA)

His death will rule him out as a witness in the trial against Mrs Dewani's husband Shrien, the British businessman, which is currently underway at the Western Cape High Court.

Mr Dewani is accused of masterminding the murder of his new wife. He denies any involvement.

Trial latest: Dewani described himself as 'single gay man'

Two other men, Zola Robert Tongo and Mziwamadoda Qwabe, have been jailed over the killing.

Tongo, a taxi driver, was sentenced to 18 years in jail ifor murder n December 2010 after a plea bargain.

Shrien Dewani sits in the dock before the start of his trial at the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town (EPA)

Qwabe was also convicted of murder and sentenced to 18 years in jail in November 2012.