Dewani Murder Trial: Family's Plea To Shrien

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The family of murder victim Anni Dewani have begged her husband Shrien to "tell the world what happened the night she died", as the case appears close to collapse.

At a press conference, Anni's brother Anish Hindocha implored the 34-year-old businessman to take the witness stand and tell his story for the first time.

In a statement, he 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."

Anni was shot dead in a suburb of Cape Town in 2010 after the taxi she and her new husband were travelling in was hijacked.

Three men have been convicted over their roles in the killing, which prosecutors say was organised and paid for by Dewani to get out of the marriage.

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Gallery: Key Players In The Dewani Trial

Anni Dewani was murdered during her honeymoon in Cape Town in 2010

Her husband Shrien Dewani is on trial accused of organising her murder

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Xolile Mngeni was jailed for life after he was convicted of being the man who actually killed Anni Dewani. He died of cancer behind bars in October.

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Zola Tongo (C), was jailed for 18 years for the killing after entering a plea bargain. He was driving the taxi that picked the couple were in when Dewani says they were hijacked

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Mziwamadoda Qwabe (R) kidnapping, robbery, murder and illegal possession of a firearm in August 2012 and was sentenced to 25 years

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Judge Jeanette Traverso is due to decide on Monday whether to throw out the case, following an application from the defence claiming that the prosecution's argument is weak, inconsistent and based on the testimony of unreliable witnesses.

Reports in South Africa suggest the case is likely to be dismissed before the defence has a chance to begin its case.

The trial was due to finish next week, but delays caused by legal wrangling, the availability of witnesses and sicknesses have delayed proceedings.

The defence application has delayed the case for almost two weeks.

The Hindocha family, who have travelled from Sweden to be in court every day, say they are confident it will continue.

Anni's brother said: "Shrien Dewani has insisted all along that he would clear his name and his legal team have promised the court since the trial began dozens of times that he would help the court with his own version of events.

"The phrase 'my client will tell the court' has become like a mantra to the judge, media and members of the public who have attended the Western Cape High Court.

"Well, let's have him tell the court, then. That has been his pledge throughout the trial.

"It would be wrong for him to walk away from South Africa without explaining himself what happened on the night of Anni's murder in this country."

Mr Hindocha said not hearing from Dewani would mean "a lifetime of further torture for me and my family, particularly my parents".

He added: "My message is simple: Don't let Shrien Dewani walk away without giving us, South Africa and people all over the world the full story."

The prosecution alleges that Dewani plotted with cab driver Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and gunman Xolile Mngeni to kill Anni while they were on their honeymoon in November 2010.

He denies all of the charges and says the money was to pay for a surprise helicopter trip for his wife.

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