The trial of a South African prostitute charged with murdering a U.S. diplomat, Christopher 'Norm' Bates, in January began this week in Johannesburg.

"The accused faces a murder charge," Hurbetin Phindi Louw, a regional manager for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said in an emailed response to questions about the trial of Lorraine Mohapi. "The accused admits that she is a prostitute."

Mohapi has pleaded self defense.