Xolile Mngeni, 25, testifying in his own defence, insisted he was set up by Mziwamadoda Qwabe, an alleged accomplice who was given 25 years in jail for his role in the murder.

Mngeni's lawyer questioned him on aspects of Qwabe's testimony.

His standard response to most of Qwabe's allegations was: "He's lying." He has pleaded not guilty to hijacking, robbing, and killing Dewani in Gugulethu on November 13, 2010.

He told the court he was not friends with Qwabe and they had never swapped DVDs or watched DVDs at each other's houses.

He said he was not at Qwabe's home on November 12 and never spoke to him over the phone the following day.

He did, however, admit to meeting Qwabe by chance that afternoon.

Mngeni was walking home from the shop when he saw Qwabe in the passenger seat of a passing car.

"He called me, I got nearer... He asked whether I don't know of any person who wants a phone," Mngeni said.

"I said to him I'm going to try get someone for him, but he must come around tomorrow [Sunday]."

The two met that Sunday afternoon and Qwabe apparently handed over a Nokia and Blackberry phone.

Mngeni said he found a buyer for the Blackberry but not for the Nokia, and kept it until he was arrested.

Mngeni denied ever being in a car with Qwabe or driving to Gugulethu together that Saturday.

A thin Mngeni, who has a brain tumour, had to be led to the stand by a police officer, who wrapped his arm firmly around the accused's waist for support.

Mngeni seemed lucid and spoke clearly.

He seemed to have no trouble recalling the series of events two years ago and responded quickly to the questions.