Govt pleased with Mngeni ruling

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Pretoria - Government has welcomed the Western Cape High Court ruling which has found Xolile Mngeni guilty of the premeditated murder of Anni Dewani.

"We commend the judicial system and Judge Robert Henney for his tireless effort and commitment to this case. The ruling in this case is a lesson to many other perpetrators who commit crimes against children and women in particular," said Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams on Tuesday.

Anni Dewani was murdered while the newlyweds were honeymooning in South Africa. Shrien Dewani claimed the couple was hijacked while driving through Khayelitsha in November 2010 and that he was forced out of the vehicle.

Anni's body was found in the abandoned vehicle the next day. She had been shot.

Dewani returned to the UK shortly after his wife's death and was arrested thereafter.

Zola Tongo, the man who chauffeured the couple, claimed in court that Dewani gave him R15 000 as payment to kill Anni. Tongo was sentenced to an effective 18 years imprisonment for his role in the crime. Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 25, and Mngeni, 23, were the other two men arrested for Anni's murder.

"This ruling is a milestone for the judicial system, and reaffirms that crime is not to be tolerated in South Africa.

"We acknowledge and commend the law enforcement agencies on their role in ensuring that the law takes its course," said Williams

She said the ruling of Mngeni sends a stringent message that criminal activities are not tolerated in this country, and that the judicial system will work tirelessly to ensure that criminals are brought to book.

Government calls upon communities and the entire society to actively participate in the fight against crime to ensure that South Africans are and feel safe.

As the country approaches the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse Campaign, government has called on all key stakeholders - individuals, civic organisations and the business sector to join in fighting the scourge of violence in the country. - SAnews.gov.za