By: Natasha Archary
Anni Dewani’s killer, Zola Tongo has been released on parole after serving 12-years of his sentence.
Tongo was sentenced to 18-years in jail for orchestrating the murder of the Swedish bride who was on honeymoon in Cape Town when she was killed.
Her husband, Shrien Dewani who Tongo said paid him and Xolile Mngeni to carry out the hit on Anni, was cleared of all charges.
Anni was shot and killed in an apparent botched hijacking attempt, and died on 13 November 2010. Her body was found on 14 November, in a taxi she and her husband were travelling in the night before.
The man who pulled the trigger, Xolile Mngeni received a life sentence. Mngeni died in prison from a brain tumour 4-years after Anni’s death.
Zola Tongo was set to be released on parole initially in 2020, but after opposition from Anni’s family, his parole was denied.
Tongo’s parole was granted on 21 June and will be in effective until 06 June 2028 when his sentence ends.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) can confirm that the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board has placed inmate Zola Tongo on parole, effectively from 21 June 2022 until 06 June 2028.”
Anni Dewani’s killer, Zola Tongo released on parole
News of Tongo’s release has angered Anni’s family who still haven’t found closure from her senseless killing.
Her husband Shrien Dewani who returned home to the UK after the trial concluded maintains that he had no involvement in her murder.
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