Brit-Indian carjack hubby 'paid off murder cabbie on CCTV'
London, Dec 9 : Brit-Indian business tycoon Shrien Dewani, accused of plotting the 'assassination' of his wife on their honeymoon in South Africa, was reportedly seen on CCTV paying cash to taxi driver Zola Tongo, who claims the millionaire arranged the killing.
According to the Sun, footage from a camera at a Cape Town restaurant recorded a private meeting between Shrien and Tongo after Anni Dewani's death.
Tongo was sentenced to 18 years by a South African court for his part in the killing, reduced from 25 years as part of a plea bargain.
The taxi driver has claimed that Shrien had hired hitmen to kill Anni, and arranged a fake carjacking to cover up the crime.
"Tongo's claim he was given money by Shrien after Anni's death is backed up in full colour on video. CCTV footage shows them meeting in a restaurant area of a hotel and Shrien hands money to the driver," a police source in Cape Town said.
"This was days after Anni's body was found, at a time when Shrien was staying in the Cape Grace Hotel and being comforted by relatives."
"The driver's statements are also supported by witness statements and phone records at crucial times. Police believe they have enough evidence to prosecute Shrien and that there is a clear case to answer," the source added.
Shrien faces extradition to South Africa after being charged with conspiracy to murder.
The 30-year-old appeared in a London court on Wednesday, where he was granted bail.
Shrien and Anni were two weeks into their Cape Town honeymoon when the taxi they were in was hijacked in the Khayelitsha township by two men armed with guns on November 13.
The 28-year-old Anni was shot dead by the robbers, but Shrien was released unharmed.
Two other men accused of the murder are due to stand trial in South Africa next year.
Tongo was sentenced to 18 years by a South African court for his part in the killing, reduced from 25 years as part of a plea bargain.
The taxi driver has claimed that Shrien had hired hitmen to kill Anni, and arranged a fake carjacking to cover up the crime.
"Tongo's claim he was given money by Shrien after Anni's death is backed up in full colour on video. CCTV footage shows them meeting in a restaurant area of a hotel and Shrien hands money to the driver," a police source in Cape Town said.
"This was days after Anni's body was found, at a time when Shrien was staying in the Cape Grace Hotel and being comforted by relatives."
"The driver's statements are also supported by witness statements and phone records at crucial times. Police believe they have enough evidence to prosecute Shrien and that there is a clear case to answer," the source added.
Shrien faces extradition to South Africa after being charged with conspiracy to murder.
The 30-year-old appeared in a London court on Wednesday, where he was granted bail.
Shrien and Anni were two weeks into their Cape Town honeymoon when the taxi they were in was hijacked in the Khayelitsha township by two men armed with guns on November 13.
The 28-year-old Anni was shot dead by the robbers, but Shrien was released unharmed.
Two other men accused of the murder are due to stand trial in South Africa next year.
