Extradition papers have been processed by the justice department, clearing the way for the extradition from the UK of murder-accused Shrien Dewani, the Justice Ministry said on Friday.
This was to ensure that any suspect alleged to have committed a crime in South Africa was brought back to stand trial, ministry spokesperson Tlali Tlali said.
“The extradition papers which have now been processed by the central authority confirm that we are satisfied that our request to have Mr Dewani extradited from the UK is compliant with the requirements of the existing agreement on matters of this nature, including the 40-day period within which to submit relevant papers,” he said.
“This clears the path for an extradition inquiry to take place in the UK on 20 January 2011.”
The ministry emphasised the rights attendant to a fair trial, Tlali said.
“Suspects are invited to stand trial in court, not on the basis of a witch-hunt, but to do so when available evidence so demands their attendance in court to answer to charges and get the opportunity to defend themselves.”
The application papers were submitted to the justice department by the National Prosecuting Authority on Thursday.
“We submitted the extradition papers to the department of justice, which is the central authority, and they will facilitate the process which goes through the diplomatic channels,” said NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga.
Dewani is accused of having his wife Anni murdered in a staged hijacking in South Africa in Gugulethu, outside Cape Town, in November.
Two men have been arrested and are due to appear in court again in February.
The driver of the vehicle the couple were travelling in at the time of the alleged hijacking entered a plea agreement with the state and fingered Dewani as the mastermind in the killing.
Dewani was released on £250 000 bail in Britain after his arrest this month. He is set to appear in court again in January. – Sapa