TWO men accused of killing honey- moon bride Anni Dewani intend to plead not guilty when their trial starts in July in South Africa.
Xolile Mngeni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe appeared in court yesterday for the last leg of their pre-trial conference. The conference has been postponed a number of times since April and is now ready to start on July 30.
Despite having been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour last year, Mngeni was healthy enough to stand alongside Qwabe in the dock.
His lawyer, Matthews Dayimani, has told the court he intended making an application for Mngeni to be referred for observations on whether he can understand court proceedings, which could lead to him being declared unfit to stand trail and possibly having his charges withdrawn.
South African authorities have said they will oppose an application unless "compelling reasons" are given.
Anni's husband Shrien, pictured top, a 32-year-old businessman from Westbury-on-Trym, could potentially be a third co-accused.
South African authorities have said they will only add him as an accused if he is mentally fit.
An order for Mr Dewani's extradition was signed in the UK in September last year but the High Court temporarily halted it on mental health grounds, saying it would be "unjust and oppressive".
Anni, 28, below left, was shot dead in an apparent car hijacking while she and her husband were on honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010.
Mr Dewani is being treated at the Fromeside mental health hospital, after being diagnosed with severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
South African authorities have alleged that he ordered and paid for the murder.
He has always flatly denied all allegations that he had anything to do with his wife's death.
Mngeni and Qwabe face charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and two counts relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. They remain in custody.
In earlier proceedings, the remaining accused, Zola Tongo, was jailed for 18 years for his part in the murder, in terms of a plea bargain.
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