National Director of Public Prosecutions Menzi Simelane’s comments on Shrien Dewani did not prejudice his chances of a fair trial in South Africa, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Monday.
Simelane’s spokesperson, Bulelwa Makeke, said the NPA obviously believed Dewani had a case to answer, but that only a judge could decide whether the Briton masterminded his wife’s murder on their honeymoon in Cape Town.
“It must not be lost on members of the media that the NPA has already taken a decision to prosecute in this case and charges have been prepared,” she said. “If the prosecutors did not believe he was guilty, why would they charge him? It is against this background that the NDPP’s comments must be viewed.
“This does not mean that he is making any pronouncements on the person’s guilt. This is left to the judge.”
Making headlines
Simelane made headlines by telling the South African Broadcasting Corporation last week: “This is a pure criminal matter of somebody who murdered his wife while he should be celebrating his honeymoon.”
Concerns have been raised that this, and comments in a similar vein by national police chief Bheki Cele, could bedevil South Africa’s chances of obtaining an extradition order against Dewani.
On Sunday, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe also dismissed the comments as irrelevant.
“Whoever says anything outside of the court process, it is totally irrelevant. The presiding officers, be they magistrates or judges, they uphold the rule of law … So, Mr Dewani has no worry at all,” Radebe said.
Dewani’s extradition hearing is due to take place in early May. His legal team is reportedly examining how the trial would be conducted if an extradition order were granted. — Sapa