Defence queries who killed bride Anni

SHRIEN Dewani's defence team tried yesterday to cast doubt on who had shot his bride, Anni, querying the veracity of the men jailed for her murder.

Dewani is accused of orchestrating her murder and seeking the help of shuttle operator Zola Tongo on November 12 2010.

Tongo hired two hitmen, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni. The three men are serving lengthy prison sentences.

Seeking to absolve Dewani of the murder, Dewani's counsel, Francois van Zyl, obtained CCTV footage and audio from the Protea Hotel in Century City where one of the fixers, Monde Mbolombo, was a receptionist.

Mbolombo was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony.

He said he had merely put Tongo in touch with Qwabe to pull off the hit.

The CCTV footage shows Mbolombo talking on the phone at the reception desk.

Phone records reveal he contacted Qwabe several times, including on the night of the murder.

In audio transcripts, Mbolombo is heard telling Tongo: "Are those boys okay? They say they want white hands like those worn by doctors."

The boys he referred to are Qwabe and Mngeni. The white hands are surgical gloves.

Qwabe insisted Mbolombo was just a link and played no role.

"Look at all those calls Monde keeps making to you.

"Monde was not just a link, he played a definitive role," Van Zyl told Qwabe.

The trial continues on Monday. - Philani Nombembe and Nashira Davids