/ 31 January 2014

Dewani to be extradited to SA

Shrien Dewani and his father Prakash Dewani.
Shrien Dewani and his father Prakash Dewani.

The British Press Association reported on Friday that honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani has lost his high court bid. This means he will be extradited to South Africa until he is fit to stand trial.

A panel of three judges, headed by Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, ruled that it would not be "unjust and oppressive" to extradite him if the South African government gave an undertaking as to how long he would be kept in the country without trial.

The court heard on Friday that the government indicated it was willing to give that undertaking.

Dewani, from Bristol, has been fighting removal from the UK to face proceedings over wife Anni's death until he has recovered from mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dewani, who is compulsorily detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, stands accused of ordering the killing of his wife Anni (28). She was shot as the couple travelled in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010.

The hearing was held in London. – Sapa