Rugby Star Charged With Axe Murders

Driver: he boasted of setting up earlier job

(NEWSER) - The British groom charged with hiring hitmen to murder his wife during a fake carjacking during their honeymoon in South Africa has been linked to a second killing. Wealthy businessman Shrien Dewani, 30, allegedly offered his driver $2,100 to murder his wife, and boasted he had once arranged a similar hit, according to South African law enforcement authorities. Dewani hired two gunmen through his driver and withdrew money from a bank account shortly before his wife's murder to pay them, according to prosecutors. More»

Shrien Dewani accused of ordering hit on his wife, Anni

(NEWSER) - A British businessman is facing extradition after being arrested on suspicion of conspiring to murder his bride on their South African honeymoon, the Telegraph reports. Shrien and Anni Dewani had been married just two weeks when their taxi was carjacked Nov. 13. Shrien and the driver were forced out of the car, but Anni, 28, was kidnapped and later found shot in the back of the cab, her jewelry, purse, and phone stolen. Driver Zola Tongo now claims that it was all a plot by Shrien, who Tongo claims hired him and the carjackers to stage the killing, the BBC reports. More»

'Something shocking,' says suspect's attorney

(NEWSER) - South African police are probing a possible gay sex link to the murder of white supremacist land owner Eugene Terreblanche. A teenager has admitted that he killed the farmer with a co-worker after Terreblanche refused to pay them wages. But police said they are probing all possible motivations, including gay sex, but did not elaborate, reports the Telegraph . Clothing of the older suspect is being examined for signs of sexual activity. More»

Morgan Freeman is superb in the main role

(NEWSER) - Clint Eastwood's Nelson Mandela tale, Invictus, wins mostly solid reviews, and everybody loves Morgan Freeman in the main role:

• Peter Travers, Rolling Stone : " Freeman seems born to play Mandela, and he never delivers a false note." Eastwood "shames the usual Hollywood showboating" and makes a "film that truly is good for the soul. "
• Peter Howell, Toronto Star : "As always, Eastwood brings solid craftsmanship to the proceedings, with direction that allows the actors to breathe while remaining alert to small details that speak of greater wisdom."

Lesbians targeted by rapists who aim to 'correct' them, say activists

(NEWSER) - A South African man has been sentenced to life for his part in the gang-rape and murder of one of the country's leading female soccer players, the Independent reports. Eudy Simelane, 31, who played for the national team, was raped repeatedly and stabbed 12 times before being dumped in a river. Simelane, the first open lesbian in her township, had hoped to serve as an official in next year's World Cup. More»