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South Africa trial could start in October for Shrien Dewani, for wife's honeymoon slaying

Associated Press
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Murder accused Shrien Dewani leaves the High Court after a brief appearance in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, June 20, 2014. Dewani is accused of arranging the killing of his wife, Anni, on their honeymoon in South Africa, November 2010, his court case was postponed. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (The Associated Press)

Preyen Dewani, center, brother of murder accused Shrien Dewani arrives at the High Court before his brothers brief appearance in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, June 20, 2014. Dewani is accused of arranging the killing of his wife, Anni, on their honeymoon in South Africa, November 2010, his court case was postponed. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (The Associated Press)

Prakash Dewani, left, father of murder accused Shrien Dewani leaves the High Court after his son's brief appearance in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, June 20, 2014. Dewani is accused of arranging the killing of his wife, Anni, on their honeymoon in South Africa, November 2010, his court case was postponed. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam) (The Associated Press)

A British man accused of arranging the killing of his wife on their honeymoon in South Africa has attended a pre-trial hearing in his murder case, and a spokesman for prosecutors says his trial could start in early October.

The Western Cape High Court on Friday instructed that Shrien Dewani should continue to undergo psychiatric observation at a hospital where he has been held since his extradition from Britain in April.

Nathi Mncube, a spokesman for the National Prosecution Authority, says Dewani's trial could start as early as Oct. 6.

Dewani's bride, Anni, was found shot dead in Cape Town in 2010. Dewani, who denies wrongdoing, is accused of hiring men to kill her and make it look like a botched carjacking. Three men have been convicted for the murder.