George Herald | Mngeni's prints found on van: witness

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Mngeni's prints found on van: witness
14:32 (GMT+2), Tue, 21 August 2012

NATIONAL NEWS - Anni Dewani murder accused Xolile Mngeni's palm prints match those found on the vehicle in which the honeymoon bride was killed, a witness told the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday.

Warrant Officer Johan Hanekom, a fingerprint expert, said there was no doubt in his mind that the left palm print he lifted from the Silver VW Sharan matched those of the accused.

Hanekom was the third witness to take the stand. He said he examined the vehicle at an official car impoundment lot on November 14, 2010.

Anni Dewani was shot in an apparent car hijacking while on honeymoon with her husband Shrien in Cape Town on November 13, 2010.

Mngeni was allegedly the man who pulled the trigger. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Hanekom said he lifted two palm prints from the driver's side of the car, one from the front fender, the other from the bonnet. The palms were pointed towards the back of the vehicle.

A copy of Mngeni's prints was given to him by Captain Paul Hendrikse on August 13 this year. A fresh set of prints was taken from Mngeni in court on Monday morning.

Hanekom said he spotted nine similarities while comparing the prints to those found on the car. Only seven were needed to confirm a match.

Source : Sapa