Dewani family lament justice system with daughter’s killer up for parole

The family of Anna Dewani, who was murdered while on honeymoon in South Africa in 2010 have lashed out at the South African Justice system after they were informed that their daughter’s killer would be released on parole at the end of July. 

However, there seems to be some confusion over the release of Zola Tongo, who was convicted of the murder after he chauffeured Anni and her British husband, Shrien Dewani, during their honeymoon in Cape Town, with the Department of Correctional Services saying that he is set to stand before a parole board on 28 July 

Tongo was sentenced to a 18-year jail term for his role in the murder of the young bride in Gugulethu. 

Hindocha family receive email from SA representatives

Anni’s father, Vinod Hindocha, received a letter from the family’s legal representative in Cape Town, advocate Jared Naidoo, who said that Tongo was due for release. 

“On paper, Mr Tongo has done what he needs to receive parole and the committee was inclined to give it to him. With that being said, there wouldn’t be much sense in trying to challenge the decision,” the e-mail, seen by Times Select, said.

While Naidoo asserted that he was against the decision, Hindocha was angered by the decision and charged that the South African justice system had yet again failed his late daughter. 

“This man should be behind bars, he is dangerous to society. He doesn’t deserve to be outside,” Hindocha told Times Select. 

“I think the parole committee says that he ticked all the boxes to get the parole, but that doesn’t make sense. If you are a murderer and you know you have done something wrong, naturally you will try to be nice in prison to escape the long sentence. And that is what he did.

Department of Correctional Services deny release  

The Department of Correctional Services have dismissed the report that Tonga is a shoe-in for release though, saying on Thursday 9 July that he is only set to stand before the parole board on 28 July, with a decision on his release yet to be determined. 

“We have noted the media reports making [the] rounds about Zola Tongo being granted parole. The fact is that inmate Tongo is to appear before the parole board in the month of July 2020 and a decision on his parole placement will be made,” said Nxumalo. 

Tonga also appealed for his early release before the parole board in May 2019, but was denied the opportunity to walk free. 

‘Justice system does not represent the South African people’  

Shrien Dewani was acquitted of the murder of his wife, even after having been filmed on CCTV cameras handing over money to Tonga in the lead up to the killing. 

The court case over the matter in which Dewani was charged with Anni’s murder rolled on for over four years, and he was ultimately acquitted and allowed to return to London where he lives with his photographer boyfriend. 

Anni’s uncle, Ashok Hindocha, said that the justice system in South Africa continued to let them down. 

“We believe that the justice system does not represent the South African people. Anni is not getting justice. Zola can go back to his loved ones but Anni will never return. Zola did not stand up to the bargain,” Hindocha said.