South Africa - Anni Dewani, 28, shot to death, Gugulethu, 13 Nov 2010 #3

[patCee]

Article summing up todays hearing re Tongo's responses of "I can't remember", and that he trusted SD to follow through with the money.

http://ewn.co.za/2014/11/03/Shrien-Dewani-Irregularities-in-Dewani-trial

 

[PrimeSuspect]

The big clanger for me today was the defence's trump card as it were, there was no sms between Tongo and Dewani in the car on the night of the carjacking. That was a crucial bit of evidence imo, because I was waiting for Dewani's explanation, what couldn't wait to be asked that he had to text Tongo while in the car with him?

@Interested Bystander, no bricks , you've weighed up the evidence or should I say lack of, and come to the conclusion I think J Traverso will come to also. Dewani will definitely walk and your scenario is probably true, well I hope so for justice sake.
On the subject of J Masipa, she was described by Nick Van der Leek in his and Lisa Wilson's book, as the sleeping giant, NOT. LOL We all got that wrong.

@jslk, oh yes, I wonder what LL had to divulge, rightly or wrongly, Traverso cut that short. We may read about it in a soon to be released book? lol

@patCee, thanks for the link, I agree Tongo definitely is the king of 'I can't remember', closely followed by OP. ZT is a terrible witness, I'm embarrassed for him, it almost seems like he's purposely throwing everything to the wind, he couldn't give a hoot. Not a nice man by any means and deserves to sit in prison with Qwabe. It's a pity their sentence can't be increased.

JMO

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Shrien Dewani trial: Murder payment was 'not discussed'

A taxi driver, convicted of murdering Shrien Dewani's wife Anni, did not ask when he would be paid for his part in the fatal shooting, a South African court has heard.

During cross-examination by Mr Dewani's lawyer Francois van Zyl, Tongo said he and his client spoke about his alleged commission the day the Dewanis landed in Cape Town.

Western Cape Court heard he was told the murder needed to happen the next day.

Tongo said he could not remember discussing how he would be paid, which Mr Van Zyl said he found strange, as Tongo had described the payment as important.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-29877026


Defence questions Tongo about R5000 Dewani commission

Francois van Zyl, for Dewani, had tried to find out what arrangements Zola Tongo allegedly made with his client regarding the R5000 payment for Anni Dewani's murder on Saturday, November 13, 2010.

"For all you knew, he could have left Cape Town on Sunday morning. You made no arrangements with him as to when and how you would be paid," Van Zyl said.

After more questions, it was revealed Tongo did not ask about the commission when he and Dewani were sitting together at the Cape Grace Hotel on Sunday morning, hours before Anni's boy was found. Tongo said he did not ask because the hotel was busy.

Van Zyl asked if he tried to get in contact with Dewani before he left the country the following Tuesday. Tongo said he did not.

Van Zyl said it was only through coincidence that the pair spoke, when Tongo phoned a police officer to complain about journalists bothering him.

Tongo did not realise Dewani was in the officer's company. Dewani asked the officer if he could speak to Tongo over the phone.

Asked again why Tongo did not try to get hold of Dewani he eventually said he did not have his contact number.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/special/...questions-tongo-about-r5000-dewani-commission

 

[KING Charles]

I have almost come to the conclusion that this was a set up job by Tombo. He was the king pin. I know lots of you won't agree but bear with me. Tongo picked up a wealthy looking couple from the airport and offered his services as a "tour guide". Maybe said he could get them a cheap helicopter ride for cash. Diwani stupidly agrees. Possibly he is not aware how dangerous SA can be. Thought Tombo was being helpful. All the while Tombo was calculating how he could part Dewani and his money. Organises a carjacking via/with cronies of his (we already know there are hit teams available for $1000 or was it Rands). Calculates that if Dewani is set free he can invent a story about a murder request and blame it on SD (SD being set free - absolutely necessary for the plot to look reasonably possibly true). I wonder what else poor Anni might have endured had someone not stupidly shot her when they did. Is that why they wanted her alone in the car? Rape the woman, take the money, jewels etc and then bump her off. Maybe she could identify the thugs. Maybe she was screaming. Tongo tries hard to keep himself out of the real messy business and blames the others for almost everything.

I don't doubt the marriage was not exactly what Anni wanted but I see no reason why SD would have her murdered. Modern, educated Hindus do divorce.

Before you jump on me ) ) please remember I am viewing this exactly as a juror would. I absolutely have no background to the case and can only judge from what I have heard tweeted in court. I do hope SD does take the stand. Maybe I might change my mind but I have a feeling this case is not going to run its course. The witnesses are becoming a joke. Yes, there has been 4 years between times but all the better to think up extra facts that were not in the witness statements. IMO this is what Tombo is doing and he is being taken to task by the Judge and the DT and now no record of the calls he said he made that were so important to nail SD. I think Tombo has lost the plot. Too many lies; no way any judge will believe him. Even the PT seems not to be intervening in the farce. One wonders what the PT can be thinking.

I am hiding behind a large barricade, waiting for the bricks .

Those of you who know me from the OP trial will also know I am no walkover. I am definitely not like the members we had that felt they needed to support OP at all cost. SD means absolutely nothing to me.

I love the way the Judge is involved. In OP's case Masipa was worse than useless at times. She never questioned anything, no matter how stupid is sounded.

Thank you for your post, I can see how you have arrived at your conclusion so far. When the trial started I felt sure Dewani was lying and guilty, but as time as gone by and with the way Tongo is giving unreliable evidence i.e. not asking when he would get his share of the money, and evidence that no sms was sent from Dewani his testimony isn't looking at all good. In fact Tongo is coming across as a total idiot. From personal experience I do know how good these people are at lying to the point they even convince themselves, but if pressured enough they end up becoming confused.

I am still not convinced Dewani is innocent, but I agree with others that with questions going round in circles day after day it all seems to be reaching a dead end and not as straight cut as I had first thought.

I don't see why you should be be waiting for bricks. It s a forum and everyone is entitled to their opinions, I enjoy reading input from other members.

 

[newone]

Tombo is the protected witness correct???

Tombo is actually Monde?

I am having a heck of a time keeping names straight....I swear I am drinking only tea.....TIA

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Tombo is the protected witness correct???

Tombo is actually Monde?

I am having a heck of a time keeping names straight....I swear I am drinking only tea.....TIA

LOL, I need a stiff drink after reading the tripe Tongo is coming up with! If he is on the stand for more than an hour today I don't know what I'll do, Dewani must be doing the happy dance at the moment though, it's looking line plain sailing from here on in. :happydance:

Why he prolonged coming to SA is beyond me, one of the reasons I thought he was guilty, surely an innocent man would come back to clear his name? But then again, he doesn't appear to be a very strong person, emotionally. LL (the German) described him as moody and quite rude in the morning after their night together, I get the vibe this is in his character, stroppy when he doesn't get his way, even Anni found it hard to handle and thought she was at fault which wasn't the case. :dunno:

[IB meant Tongo in her post. ]

 

[newone]

Thanks Prime!

I too have been wondering why if this was a case of true innocence why SD wouldn't have wanted to clear things up much sooner with less fanfare and less damage to his 'image'.

Stronger medicine is needed for all of us to endure this 'trial'.......hot cup of tea's not cutting it (wink wink)

 

[PrimeSuspect]

http://www.enca.com/media/video/tongo-adamant-dewani-paid-have-anni-killed

Leigh-Anne Jansen reporting on yesterdays trial.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 4m4 minutes ago

Tongo has repeatedly testified he can't remember minutiae of alleged plot like where money was left for killers in taxi.


Legal teams preparing for day 14 of trial. Zola Tongo is the 12th witness.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Roy McKenzie ‏@RoyMcK@News24 2m2 minutes ago Cape Town

Defence advocate Francois van Zyl told me he's hoping to wrap up Tongo cross examination today - if he answers questions.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

vanessa poonah ‏@vanessapoonah01#sabcnews 2m2 minutes ago

Cross examination of Zola Tongo about to resume. Tongo takes up his place in the witness stand.


Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 2m2 minutes ago

Proceedings resume.

It's Tongo's 6th day on the stand. He faces another day of cross examination.

 

[newone]

Roy McKenzie ‏@RoyMcK@News24 2m2 minutes ago Cape Town

Defence advocate Francois van Zyl told me he's hoping to wrap up Tongo cross examination today - if he answers questions.

I wonder if he had his fingers crossed behind his back when he said that???

 

[PrimeSuspect]

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 2m2 minutes ago

Francois Van Zyl wastes no time. Mentions affidavit made by Tongo on Nov 26 2010.

VZ: you told the court you were aware Mngeni was arrested. That evening you spoke to Mr Blacks and he didn't believe your story your story that this was just a hijacking & you were a victim, so you saw Mr Willaim da Grass, an attorney on 18 Nov 2010.


Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 2m2 minutes ago

VZ: You told the court that you became aware that Mr. Mngeni was arrested?

Tongo: That's correct.

VZ: You consulted with Mr. Hendrickse & he didn't believe your story that this was just a hijacking.

Tongo: Correct

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 1m1 minute ago

VZ: You then got an attorney, William da Grass on 18/11.

Tongo: Correct



EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 2m2 minutes ago

V Zyl says ZT made contact with lawyer shortly after affidavit drawn up.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 2m2 minutes ago

VZ: Do you know if Mr. da Grass was in contact with Hendrickse?

Tongo: No.

VZ: Did da Grass tell you to hand yourself over?

Tongo: He didn't tell me to hand myself over.

(Seems this is why the VZ wanted the phone records)

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 1m1 minute ago

VZ: He did not advise you to hand yourself over, is that what you're saying?

Tongo: As the time went on, discussing with police. He asked me if I'm aware of these things. I said yes, I'm handing myself over.

(VZ refers to statement)

 

[PrimeSuspect]

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 52s53 seconds ago

VZ: have a look at your statement.

(in the statement, Tongo says da Grass advised him to hand himself over)

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 56s56 seconds ago

In the statement, Tongo says da Grass advised him to hand himself over. VZ repeats the question. Tongo also repeats his answer, that da Grass called him,asking if he knows of these things. He said he's aware & is handing himself over.

VZ: Did you tell the police that you spoke to the accused & this is a conspiracy between you & the accused?

Tongo: I tried to tell them everything I knew at the time

VZ: Did your attorney inform you to enter into a plea bargain & testify for the state in return for a lesser sentence?

Tongo: We discussed it and what would happen if I did it. He also said he will negotiate with them, considering the the fact that I am admitting to the act.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 38s38 seconds ago

VZ: Did he tell you that you must avail yourself to testify for the state?

Tongo: What I said is I'm going to hand myself over and testify for the state.

VZ: It's common cause that on the Sunday, there were negotiations at a high level, involving the DPP, da Grass and police & this resulted in the plea bargain accepted by the court.
It's against this background that on the Friday, before this meeting, you were interviewed in the presence of your attorney, by Lt. Col. Barkhuizen. Was Cpt. Hendrickse also present?

Tongo: I can't remember if he was present.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

Leigh-Anne Jansen ‏@LA_JANSEN 51s51 seconds ago

VZ reads from affidavit. "I have been informed that if anyone is arrested...I may be called as a witness..."



Leila Samodien ‏@Leila_Luck 28s28 seconds ago

In terms of his plea bargain, Tongo got an 18-year jail sentence & could (as in present matter) be called as a State witness.