A salesman's discarded cigarette started an inferno that killed another tourist on South Africa's Table Mountain, a court was told today.

Anthony Cooper, 37, of Brighton, is accused of starting the fire in January last year and killing British tourist Janet Chesworth, 65, who was hiking in the area.

Taxi driver Craig Ward told Cape Town Regional Court today that he was parked near a cable car station at the foot of the mountain waiting for possible fares.

He noticed Cooper walking down the mountain slope towards his own car.

Mr Ward said: "He threw his leftover cigarette on to the dry grass and within seconds a flame started due to the condition of the grass and strong winds."

Newly-retired Mrs Chesworth, from Sedgley, West Midlands, who was on holiday in the area, was killed by the smoke from the fire.

The court case, which has been delayed several times, was initially scheduled to begin at 9am today but started two hours late.

Mr Ward will be cross-examined later today by defence lawyers Ruben Liddell and Joe Weeber.