Cape Town - An application for medical parole by Xolile Mngeni, who was jailed for life for his role in Anni Dewani’s murder, was likely to involve a “thorough investigation”.
This is according to National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) communication manager Jacques Sibomana, who said medical parole was a special kind of parole normally granted to people with life-threatening conditions.
Mngeni was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2011.
The best interests of the offender, as well as the community he or she offended against, would also be considered.
Anni’s father, Vinod Hindocha, 64, said the idea was “totally wrong”.
“It’s like they are kicking us again. He was convicted in a fair trial. If he goes home, who can say for sure how long he will live?” he said. “He had absolutely no mercy when he killed Anni for money. Why should he be shown any now?”
Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela confirmed that Mngeni had applied for medical parole but declined to say how far along the process was.
He was admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital last month in a critical condition.
Wolela also declined to comment on Mngeni’s current condition and whether he had been discharged.
The Western Cape High Court jailed Mngeni for life in 2012 for Dewani’s murder. He was also sentenced to 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and to five years for possession of an unlicensed firearm - to run concurrently with his life term. - Justice Writer
Cape Times