Dewani driver gets a grilling

Shrien Dewani's counsel has opened a Pandora's box of new facts relating to the plea bargain that erstwhile shuttle operator Zola Tongo entered into.

It emerged in the Cape Town High Court yesterday that Tongo is allegedly receiving special privileges in prison.

Cross-examining him, advocate Francois van Zyl cast doubt on Tongo's motive in incriminating Dewani in the killing of his wife, Anni.

In his 2010 plea and sentencing agreement, Tongo claimed Dewani had asked him to find hit men to kill his bride - for R15000 - during their honeymoon in Cape Town in November 2010.

"There were rumours in 2011 that you wanted to change certain things in your plea," said Van Zyl. "Were you visited by [investigating officer Captain Paul] Hendrikse and your lawyer Mr [William] da Grass? Did they discuss those rumours with you?"

Van Zyl hinted that Hendrikse and Da Grass had wanted to warn Tongo about what he stood to lose by having a change of heart.

Van Zyl questioned Tongo about his special treatment in prison, including the fact that he has a single cell and a television set that he rents for R65 a month.

Tongo said he was not aware of the rumour that he had wanted to change his statement, but admitted that Hendrikse and Da Grass had visited him "on several occasions" to inquire about his life in prison.

Tongo, who is serving an 18-year sentence for his role in the murder, said he would be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence.

He could not explain why he had omitted crucial information in his statement, including his claim that Dewani had offered him R5000. Tongo became evasive and referred to all his omissions as "mistakes".

The trial continues.