The only accomplice witness in British businessman Shrien Dewani’s trial was prepared to lie to create an atmosphere of suspicion around him, Western Cape High Court deputy Judge President Jeanette Traverso said this morning. She said former shuttle taxi driver Zola Tongo’s testimony was riddled with contradictions and he did not hesitate to change his evidence as needed. “His evidence and version of events he gave is also highly improbable, but having said that, at this stage of the proceedings, his credibility plays a limited role.” She was handing down judgment in an application to have Dewani discharged of the charge of killing of his wife Anni in 2010. Earlier, she said it was trite that a court should approach the evidence of an accomplice witness with caution. Dewani stared at Traverso as she spoke. A single television camera had been placed to the left of the dock, providing feed as part of a pool arrangement. Dewani’s legal team brought the discharge application in terms of section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, opening the way for a discharge if the court believes there is no credible evidence at the close of the State’s case. Dewani went on trial in October...
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