'Anni Dewani was not raped': forensic expert

Swedish newlywed Anni Dewani was not raped or sexually assaulted before she was gunned down at close range while honeymooning in South Africa, a court heard Wednesday.

• Dewani's improved health may lead to earlier trial (18 Sep 12)
• South African 'hitman' denies killing Dewani (15 Aug 12)
• Dewani trial to begin after gunman ruled fit (13 Aug 12)

Pathologist Janette Verster told the High Court in Cape Town that fingerprints were found on Dewani's left leg but there was no evidence that the 28-year-old had been sexually abused.

"There was no evidence of injury (to the genital area) internally and externally. There was nothing microscopically I could find," Verster said, adding Dewani's underwear was still intact and had not been disrupted.

Dewani was killed by a single gunshot while travelling in the back of the car with her British husband Shrien Dewani in November 2010.

The court is trying a local man Xolile Mngeni as the alleged gunman, but is also fighting to extradite Shrien in connection with the case.

Mngeni has denied charges of murder, kidnapping, robbery and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Two local men already jailed over the killing and have blamed Shrien for masterminding a paid hit on his wife.

The Swedish tourist was found with her hands tucked under her chin, on her right side on the back seat of the car belonging to taxi driver Zola Tongo, who is serving 18 years for his role in her death.

Dewani had taken a defensive pose before the gun was fired at a "very close range", likely five to 10 centimetres away, Verster said.

The bullet entered and exited her left hand and grazed her chest before entering her neck.

The shot severed two vascular veins and hit the spinal cord before exiting her back, the Sapa news agency reported.

Tongo and co-accused Mziwamadoda Qwabe -- who is serving 25 years -- named Mngeni as the gunman.

Both opted for plea bargains, saying Dewani had paid to have his wife killed in a fake hijacking.

Britain approved Dewani's extradition but the London High Court shelved the process in March, citing health grounds. The Briton has claimed no wrongdoing.