/ 16 November 2010

Man arrested in connection with tourist’s murder

A 26-year-old man from Khayelitsha was arrested in connection with the killing of tourist Anni Dewani in Gugulethu, Western Cape community safety provincial minister Albert Fritz said on Tuesday.

“I can now confirm that a 26-year-old male was arrested in Khayelitsha in the early hours of this morning, thanks largely to cooperation from the community,” he said in a statement.

“The investigation continues and I urge police to collect and use all available evidence so that we ultimately secure a conviction. The speedy turnaround time in which this matter was investigated is truly commendable and I would like to see this sort of energy and urgency put to use in every investigation, regardless of the profile of the victim.”

Fritz said the arrest was a “classic example” of “community safety in action”.

The investigation is continuing and it was not clear when the man would appear in court.

The 28-year-old newly-wed was murdered whilst on her honeymoon during a suspected hijacking in the Cape Town township of Gugulethu at the weekend.

Her husband, Shrien, was not harmed.