Convicted killer in honeymoon murder dies in South African jail

Xolile Mngeni, a hit man serving a life sentence for shooting Anni Dewani in Cape Town in 2010, had a brain tumor, officials said. Shrien Dewani is currently on trial for allegedly orchestrating his new bride’s murder and Mngeni was reportedly set to testify during the proceedings.


 
Xolile Mngeni, the triggerman charged with the killing Anni Dewani, died in jail.
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The South African hit man convicted of killing the wife of British millionaire Shrien Dewani on her honeymoon in 2010 has died in prison before he was due to testify in Dewani's trial.

Xolile Mngeni, 27, died of a previously diagnosed brain tumor in the hospital section of Goodwood Correctional Center in Cape Town, South Africa's Department of Correctional Services said.

He was reportedly set to take the stand during Dewani’s trial, which began on Oct. 6 after a lengthy extradition process.

Mngeni was convicted for firing the shots that ended 28-year-old Anni Dewani’s life. A judge described him as a “merciless and evil person” in court and slapped him with a life sentence, according to the BBC. His application for medical parole was rejected over the summer.
AP Shrien Dewani and Anni Dewani, right, were on their honeymoon in Cape Town when Anni was killed. Shrien denies orchestrating a hit.

Prosecutors argue that Dewani arranged to have his Swedish-born wife killed during their lavish honeymoon.

The wealthy businessman has denied conspiring to kill his bride and has pleaded not guilty to murder, robbery, kidnapping and other charges.

Dewani claims he and Anni were hijacked at gunpoint in Cape Town in November 2010. He said the hijackers forced him out of the taxi but took off with Anni insider. Her body was found in the back seat of the stolen vehicle the next day.

Mngeni and two other men, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and taxi driver Zola Tongo, were jailed in connection with the murder.

Tongo, who is serving an 18-year sentence, claims that Dewani paid about $1,300 for the hit.

Qwabe, who was given a 25-year sentence, said earlier this month that they agreed to make it look like a random carjacking.