Shrien Dewani Found Not Guilty Of Honeymoon Murder As Case Is Dismissed

Shrien Dewani Not Guilty As Honeymoon Murder Case Dismissed
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British businessman Shrien Dewani has been dramatically cleared of the murder of his honeymoon bride Anni.

Judge Jeanette Traverso dismissed the case against Dewani after roundly condemning the evidence of the chief prosecution witness.

Announcing her ruling, the judge said: "The accused is found not guilty of this charge."

Giving her ruling in Cape Town on an application by Dewani's defence lawyer Francois van Zyl to dismiss the prosecution, Judge Traverso said cab driver Zola Tongo's claims about the murder of Anni Dewani were "riddled with contradictions" and "highly debatable".

The judge said the evidence presented by the prosecution fell "far below" the required threshold.

She said the only reason not to grant the application would be in the hope that Dewani would implicate himself if he gave evidence.

But to do so would be a "manifest misdirection", she said.

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Shrien Dewani has been on trial for two months and is being held at a psychiatric hospital

Dewani, who was finally extradited this year to face trail accused of planning the murder of his wife in November 2010, listened intently as key evidence against him was criticised by the judge.

Three men have already been convicted of their role in the death, after the taxi the Dewanis were travelling in was hijacked as they passed through a township late at night.

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 8 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani leaves Valkenberg Hospital on December 8, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Shrien Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Today, Dewani will find out whether he will be allowed to return to the United Kingdom a free man or continue standing trial. (Photo by Denvor de Wee/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
South Africa Honeymoon Killing(02 of88)
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Shrien Dwani arrives at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. A British man accused of killing his wife while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash Dewani, center, the father of British businessman Shrien Dewani, arrives at the high court in the city of in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:Schalk van Zuydam/AP)
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Vinod Hindocha, center, the father of slain Anni Dewani, after the court case that acquitted his daughter's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:Schalk van Zuydam/AP)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 8 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court during Shrien Dewani's murder trial on December 8, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Shrien Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Today, Dewani will find out whether he will be allowed to return to the United Kingdom a free man or continue standing trial. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 8 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court during Shrien Dewani's murder trial on December 8, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Shrien Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Today, Dewani will find out whether he will be allowed to return to the United Kingdom a free man or continue standing trial. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
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Ami Denborg, left, and her brother Anish Hindocha, right, react after the court case that acquitted their sister's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Ami Denborg, left, and her brother Anish Hindocha, right, react after the court case that acquitted their sister's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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People show their support to Vinod Hindocha, center, the father of slain Anni Dewani, after the court case that acquitted his daughter's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, center, the father of slain Anni Dewani, after the court case that acquitted his daughter's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Anish Hindocha, puts his hand to his face after the court case that acquitted his sister's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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South African Police provide security as they await the arrival of Shrien Dwani at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Ami Denborg, left, speak to media after the court case that acquitted her sister's former husband Shrien Dwani from murdering her at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash Dewani, center, the father of British businessman Shrien Dewani, arrives at the high court in the city of in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash Dewani, center, the father of British businessman Shrien Dewani, arrives at the high court in the city of in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Dec. 8, 2014. A British man Shrien Dwani accused of killing his wife Anni while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town was acquitted of murder on Monday after a South African judge concluded that the prosecution's case did not have sufficient evidence. Shrien Dewani promptly descended stairs leading out of the courtroom following the not guilty ruling by Cape Town High Court Judge Jeanette Traverso. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Anish Hindocha, left, the brother of Anni Dewani who was murdered during her honeymoon in South Africa in 2010, speaks at a press conference with other family members in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. With his sisterâs photograph pinned to his jacket, Anish Hindocha on Wednesday asked his sister's husband to tell the âfull storyâ of how she was murdered while on honeymoon in Cape Town. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Anish Hindocha, the brother of Anni Dewani who was murdered during her honeymoon in South Africa in 2010, arrives at a press conference with other family members in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. With his sisterâs photograph pinned to his jacket, Anish Hindocha on Wednesday asked his sister's husband to tell the âfull storyâ of how she was murdered while on honeymoon in Cape Town. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Anish Hindocha, the brother of Anni Dewani who was murdered during her honeymoon in South Africa in 2010, looks down during a press conference with other family members in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. With his sisterâs photograph pinned to his jacket, Anish Hindocha on Wednesday asked his sister's husband to tell the âfull storyâ of how she was murdered while on honeymoon in Cape Town. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Anish Hindocha, the brother of Anni Dewani who was murdered during her honeymoon in South Africa in 2010, arrives at a press conference with other family members in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. With his sisterâs photograph pinned to his jacket, Anish Hindocha on Wednesday asked his sister's husband to tell the âfull storyâ of how she was murdered while on honeymoon in Cape Town. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, the father of slain Anni Dewani, arrives at the high court in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, left, the father of slain Anni Dewani, arrives at the high court in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Preyen Dewani, left, the brother of murder accused Shrien Dewani arrives at the high court in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash Dewani, right, and Snila Dewani, center, the parents of British businessman Shrien Dewani, arrive at the high court in the city of Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Preyen Dewani, third left, the brother of murder accused Shrien Dewani, arrives at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash Dewani, center, the father of British businessman Shrien Dewani, leaves the high court as they break for lunch, in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, front, father of Anni Dewani, prays at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, foreground, the father of slain Anni Dewani, leaves the high court as they break for lunch, in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. British businessman and accused murder suspect Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, left, father of Anni Dewani, arrives at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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British businessman Shrien Dewani, arrives in the back of a car at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. Dewani faces charges of orchestrating the killing of his wife Anni Dewani, while on honeymoon in the country four years ago. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, front, father Anni Dewani, brings flowers to the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A photo to be used as a remembrance by family members of Anni Dewani, pictured, is seen at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A photo placed by family members of Anni Dewani, pictured, is seen at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, father Anni Dewani, lights a candle at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Flowers and a photo placed by family members of Anni Dewani, pictured, are seen at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Flowers and a photo placed by family members in remembrance of Anni Dewani, pictured, are seen at the area were she was murdered in Khayelitsha township, on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014. Dewani was murdered on this day four years ago. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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File: In this Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012 file photo, convicted killer Xolile Mngeni, charged with the killing of honeymoon bride, Anni Dewani, sits in the dock, in court in Cape Town, South Africa. The man convicted for the murder of a woman killed on honeymoon in Cape Town has died, announced South Africa's Department of Correctional Services on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. Xolile Mngeni, who was convicted for the murder in 2010 of Anni Dewani, died in a hospital unit of a Cape Town prison. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam, File) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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A protester holds a placard with a portrait of the late Anni Dewani that reads "You cannot hide from SA (South Africa) law" outside the Cape Town, South Africa, high court, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014. as the trial of British businessman and murder accused Shrien Dewani continued for a second day. Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash Dewani father of British businessman Shrien Dewani arrives at the high court in Cape Town South Africa Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2010 . Shrien Dewani is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Father of the late Anni Dewani, Vinod Hindocha, center, arrives at the high court in Cape Town Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2010, for the trial of British businessman Shrien Dewani who is charged with orchestrating the murder of his wife, Anni, while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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FILE - In this Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 file photo British businessman Shrien Dewani appears in the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, on charges of orchestrating the killing of his wife Anni Dewani, while on honeymoon in the country four years ago. A South African judge acquitted Briton Shrien Dewani on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, of murdering his wife during their 2010 honeymoon. (AP Photo/Mike Hutchings, Pool, File) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Prakash, and Nilam Dewani , foreground left and right, the father and mother of British businessman Shrien Dewani, walk outside the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014. Their son is accused of arranging the murder of his wife during their honeymoon in South Africa four years ago. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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British businessman Shrien Dewani appears in the high court in Cape Town, South Africa Monday, Oct. 6, 2014. Dewani faces charges of orchestrating the killing of his wife Anni Dewani, while on honeymoon in the country four years ago. (AP Photo/Mike Hutchings, Pool) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Father of British businessman Shrien Dewani, Prakash Dewani, center, arrives at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa Monday, Oct. 6, 2014. His son faces charges of orchestrating the killing of his wife Anni Dewani, while on honeymoon in the country four years ago. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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The father of the late Anni Dewani, Vinod Hindocha, center, arrives at the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, to attend the start of the murder trial of his son-in-law and British businessman, Shrien Dewani, Monday Oct. 6, 2014. Shrien Dewani is on trial for the 2010 murder of his wife Anni while on honeymoon in Cape Town. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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Vinod Hindocha, the father of the late Anni Dewani, wears a photo with her image on his lapel, outside the high court in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, as he attends the start of the murder trial of his son-in-law and British businessman, Shrien Dewani. Dewani is accused of arranging the murder of his wife during their honeymoon in South Africa four years ago. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
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CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 3 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewanis brother, Anish Hindocha during a media briefing on December 3, 2014 at the Cape Town Lodge Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. An emotional Anish Hindocha gave a statement on behalf of the family ahead of Mondays judgement on Shrien Dewanis application for acquittal. He said it was essential for the Dewani to take to the stand for this to be considered a fair trial. (Photo by Esa Alexander/The Times/ Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:The Times via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's parents, Snila and Prakash Dewani arrive at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
Annie Dewani's Family Holds a Media Briefing(49 of88)
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CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 3 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewanis brother, Anish Hindocha arrives for a media briefing on December 3, 2014 at the Cape Town Lodge Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. An emotional Anish Hindocha gave a statement on behalf of the family ahead of Mondays judgement on Shrien Dewanis application for acquittal. He said it was essential for the Dewani to take to the stand for this to be considered a fair trial. (Photo by Jaco Marais/Foto24/ Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's lawyer advocate Francois van Zyl SC at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anish Hindocha arrive with Anni Dewani's family at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani leaves the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 24 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's parents, Snila and Prakash Dewani arrive at the Western Cape High Court on November 24, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Liza van Deventer/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(56 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's defence team arrives at the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(57 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family leaves the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(58 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(59 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(60 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(61 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family leaves the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Anni Dewani's Family Marks Anniversary of her Death(62 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 13 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family marks the fourth anniversary of her death on November 13, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Anni Dewani's family held a commemoration ceremony in the street in Khayelitsha where Anni's body was found. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (Photo by Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(63 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 17 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's defence team arrives at the Western Cape High Court on November 17, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Anni Dewani's Family Marks Anniversary of her Death(64 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 13 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's photo and flowers seen as the family marks the fourth anniversary of her death on November 13, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Anni Dewani's family held a commemoration ceremony in the street in Khayelitsha where Anni's body was found. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (Photo by Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Anni Dewani's Family Marks Anniversary of her Death(65 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 13 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha on November 13, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Anni Dewani's family held a commemoration ceremony in the street in Khayelitsha where Anni's body was found. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (Photo by Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Anni Dewani's Family Marks Anniversary of her Death(66 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA NOVEMBER 13 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's mother Nilam Hindocha holds a photo of her daughter as the family marks the fourth anniversary of her death on November 13, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Anni Dewani's family held a commemoration ceremony in the street in Khayelitsha where Anni's body was found. Her husband Shrien Dewani was charged with orchestrating her murder while the newly-married couple were on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010. (Photo by Nardus Engelbrecht/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Anni Dewani murder(67 of88)
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File photo dated 05/10/14 of Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa where Shrien Dewani has been staying ahead of his court case. (credit:Ryan Hooper/PA Wire)
Anni Dewani murder(68 of88)
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File photo dated 24/01/11 of Shrien Dewani, as hotel receptionist Monde Mbolombo, who was granted immunity for his part in the death of Anni Dewani has claimed Dewani "knows everything" about an alleged conspiracy to kill his new wife, his murder trial has heard. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial - Day 3 - Western Cape High Court(69 of88)
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Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court during Day 3 of the murder trial of Shrien Dewani at the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town on 9 October 2014 (credit:Chris Ricco/Sports Inc)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial - Day 3 - Western Cape High Court(70 of88)
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Nilam Hindocha, Mother of Anni Dewani and Ami Denborg, Sister arrives at the Western Cape High Court during Day 4 of the murder trial of Shrien Dewani at the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town on 13 October 2014 (credit:Chris Ricco/Sports Inc)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial - Day 3 - Western Cape High Court(71 of88)
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Family of Shrien Dewani arrives at the Western Cape High Court during Day 3 of the murder trial of Shrien Dewani at the Western Cape High Court, Cape Town on 9 October 2014 (credit:Chris Ricco/Sports Inc)
South Africa Honeymoon Slaying(72 of88)
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Xolile Mngeni, who was found guilty with the slaying of Anni Dewani, right, sits in the dock of a courtroom before his verdict is read in Cape Town, South Africa, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. Mngeni, accused of being the triggerman in the 2010 honeymoon slaying of a Swedish bride, was found guilty on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 ending his long-delayed trial as the woman's husband continues to fight extradition over the killing. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
South Africa Dewani Vigil(73 of88)
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People light candles, next to a photo of Anni Dewani, at a vigil in Cape Town, South Africa, Sunday, Nov 13, 2011 a year after she was shot dead, after gunmen hijacked her and her husband's taxi on November 13 2010 as they traveled through Gugulethu township . South African authorities want to want to extradite and put the Bristol businessman, Shrien Dewani, on trial for allegedly ordering his wife's murder in the country while on honeymoon in November 2010.(AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain South Africa Dewani(74 of88)
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FILE - In this file photo dated July 18, 2011, Shrien Dewani leaves Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, after he was excused because of ill health, during his extradition case in south London. The High Court temporarily halted British businessman Shrien Dewani's extradition to South Africa on mental health grounds, Friday March 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, file) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain South Africa Tourist Killed(75 of88)
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Shrien Dewani, right, the British man accused of having his wife murdered during their honeymoon in South Africa, arrives at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in London, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. South African prosecutors accuse Dewani of hiring three hit men to kill his wife, Anni. She was found dead in an abandoned taxi in Cape Town with a bullet wound in her neck on Nov. 13. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(76 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 28 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's parents Snila and Prakash Dewani leave the Western Cape High Court on October 28, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Denvor de Wee/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Imafes) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(77 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 28 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Shrien Dewani's parents Snila and Prakash Dewani leave the Western Cape High Court on October 28, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Denvor de Wee/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Imafes) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(78 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 27 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court on October 27, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(79 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 27 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court on October 27, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(80 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 27 (SOUTH AFRICA OUT): Anni Dewani's family arrives at the Western Cape High Court on October 27, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Bertram Malgas/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(81 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 21: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Anni Dewani's cousin, Sneha Mashru with Anni's father Vinod Hindocha outside the Western Cape High Court on October 21, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Nasief Manie/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images ) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(82 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 21: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Snila Dewani and Prakash Dewani arrive at the Western Cape High Court on October 21, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Nasief Manie/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images ) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(83 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 21: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Anni Dewani's father Vinod Hindocha arrives at the Western Cape High Court on October 21, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Nasief Manie/Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images ) (credit:Foto24 via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(84 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 20: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Snila and Prakash Dewani, parents of Shrien Dewani, arrive at the Western Cape High Court on October 20, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Roger Sedres/Gallo Images/Getty Images ) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(85 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 20: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Preyen Dewani, brother of Shrien Dewani, arrives at the Western Cape High Court on October 20, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Sherin Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Roger Sedres/Gallo Images/Getty Images ) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Shrien Dewani Murder Trial(86 of88)
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER 14: (SOUTH AFRICA OUT) Shrien Dewani's parents, Prakash and Shila arrive at the Western Cape High Court on October 14, 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. Dewani is accused of organising his wife's murder while they were on honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. (Photo by Roger Sedres/Gallo Images/Getty Images ) (credit:Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Anni Dewani murder(87 of88)
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The sister of Anni Dewani, Ami Denborg talks to the media outside the High Court in London today where two judges ruled that it would be "unjust and oppressive" to order the extradition of Shrien Dewani, who is accused of arranging the contract killing of wife Anni in Cape Town in November 2010 during their honeymoon. (credit:Sean Dempsey/PA Archive)
Anni Dewani murder(88 of88)
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Andrew Katzen, solicitor for Shrien Dewani, reads a statement on behalf of relatives outside the Royal Courts of on their behalf. (credit:Clive Gee/PA Archive)

Dewani has always denied any involvement in the plot. But prosecutors said bisexual Dewani wanted out of the relationship and plotted for his engineer wife, 28, to be killed in an apparent botched hijacking.

Dewani is expected to be granted permission to return to the UK as a free man.

Dewani has been held at the Valkenberg Hospital on the outskirts of Cape Town since he was extradited in April this year.

Dewani, from Westbury-on-Trym, denied murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

Lawyers for Dewani last month applied for the judge to dismiss the case - although they have refused to confirm if Dewani would be free to return to the UK immediately.

Dewani has been discharged without ever giving evidence.

Last week the family of Mrs Dewani - previously known as Anni Hindocha - begged her accused widower to ''tell the world what happened the night she died''.

Tensions between the Hindochas and Dewani ratcheted up a notch at a press conference in South Africa, when her brother Anish implored Dewani to take to the witness stand and tell his story for the first time.

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Anni's father Mr Hindoncha breaks down as the case is dismissed

In a statement, Mr Hindocha said: ''It would be a terrible development in what has been a four-year wait if we and the people of South Africa are not afforded the full story.

''If they are not given the full facts, and by that I mean Shrien Dewani telling the court his version, then Anni's death will remain on the conscience of South Africa forever.''

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Shrien Dewani and his wife Anni, who was killed on the couple's honeymoon

The trial had been listed to last until the end of this week but delays triggered by legal wrangling, witness availability and sickness hit the case.

The latest delay, of almost two weeks, was prompted by the defence application to the judge.

The Hindochas, who have travelled from their home in Sweden to sit through each day's evidence since it began two months ago, had said they were confident the trial will continue.

Dewani was on trial for allegedly plotting with cab driver Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and gunman Xolile Mngeni to kill Mrs Dewani while they were on their honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010.

Dewani claimed the couple were hijacked as Tongo was driving them through Gugulethu in his minibus. He says he was released unharmed and his wife was driven away. She was found shot dead in the abandoned minibus in Khayelitsha the next morning.

Tongo is serving an 18-year jail term while Qwabe is part-way through a 25-year jail sentence. Mngeni was serving life for firing the shot that killed Mrs Dewani, but died in prison from a brain tumour on October 18.