Cape Town - A man on trial for Anni Dewani's murder went on a shopping spree the day after she was killed, the Western Cape High Court heard on Wednesday.
Xolile Mngeni's childhood friend, 26, whose identity was being protected, said he, Mngeni and a friend went shopping together at the V&A Waterfront, in Cape Town, on November 14, 2010.
He said Mngeni bought himself green Lacoste “takkies” (running shoes) and a K-Way jacket.
Dewani was killed in Gugulethu on November 13, 2010, in an apparent hijacking while on honeymoon with her husband Shrien.
Mngeni has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The witness, who had been friends with Mngeni since primary school, said Mngeni paid for everything in cash.
“We took a taxi (to the Waterfront). I paid (the fare) for myself. He (Mngeni) paid for himself and also for our friend.”
He told the court he could not afford a pair of white Adidas trainers priced at R500, but Mngeni gave him R140 to help buy the shoes.
He could not remember how much Mngeni's jacket cost, but the Lacoste shoes were about R750.
He pointed out the items as being the same ones Mngeni was seen wearing in a photograph taken the day of his arrest.
The group ate a meal after shopping and went back home.
Shareen Riley, for the State, asked if the accused had any other money on him.
“The R180 which we had is the money which we drank. We were going to use it to buy liquor... Each person was to give R100 to contribute for the liquor,” the friend said.
Riley asked if Mngeni was employed at the time of his arrest.
The witness replied: “No.”
The trial continues. - Sapa