THE trial of two men accused of murdering Anni Dewani is to go ahead without the honeymooner’s husband Shrien.
Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni appeared in the Western Cape High Court for their second pre-trial this morning.
The State’s third suspect in the murder is Shrien Dewani, who authorities are trying to extradite from the UK.
Britain’s High Court temporarily halted his extradition two weeks ago on mental grounds.
In court today, State advocate Shireen Riley said that in light of the fact that Qwabe and Mngeni were “entitled to a speedy trial” the prosecution would proceed with their trial separately from that of Dewani’s.
They were ready to proceed with the trial on July 30.
While concerns were again raised about Mngeni’s ill health, Judge President John Hlophe indicated that he would not make any further decisions in the case.
This was because he had convicted and sentenced their co-accused, taxi driver Zola Tongo, who entered a plea agreement and was jailed for 18 years.
“I convicted a co-accused on similar charges so I do not want to get involved in anything to do with this trial or pre-trial proceedings,” said Hlophe.
He postponed the matter to next Friday for another pre-trial conference, which will be heard by a different judge.