Billionaire Shrien Dewani, 34, also denied paying three hitmen to kill his wife Anni on their honeymoon in November 2010 at Western Cape High Court.
Through defence lawyer Francois Van Zyl, Dewani said he has "had sexual interaction with both males and females".
"I consider myself to be bisexual," the court was told.
"My sexual interactions with males were mostly physical experiences or email chats with people I met online or in clubs, including prostitutes," Dewani's witness statement said.
Anni's father, Vinod Hindocha, is in Cape Town with his wife and other family members from Sweden for the trial.
Dewani was extradited from the UK in April and is charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery, murder, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice and has been receiving treatment at Valkenberg psychiatric hospital his arrival in South Africa.
Prosecutors argue that Dewani conspired with Cape Town residents Zola Tongo, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni to kill his wife two weeks after their lavish wedding.
Taxi driver Tongo, Qwabe and Mngeni are already serving prison sentences in connection with the murder.
The trial is expected to last for around two months, presided over by judge Jeanette Traverso.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
