/ 23 March 2014

Dewani to be extradited in April

Dewani To Be Extradited In April

Honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani will be extradited from Britain to South Africa, the justice department said on Saturday.

"The extradition process is now being handled by South African government through the justice department," said spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga.

Earlier, Mhaga told eNCA that Dewani was expected to land at the Cape Town International Airport on 8 April. 

He said the department was liaising with the office of the Home Secretary in Britain to facilitate the extradition.

"We are working tirelessly to ensure that his return to our shores brings to finality this protracted legal process."

Mhaga could not confirm the day Dewani was expected to arrive in the country.

Dewani (33), from Bristol, would face charges related to the murder of his wife Anni.

Dewani claimed the couple were kidnapped at gun point as they drove through Gugulethu in Cape Town in a taxi in November 2010.

Dewani was released unharmed. The next day his wife's body was found in the abandoned car. She had been shot dead.

The couple were on honeymoon at the time.

Xolile Mngeni was convicted of the murder and jailed for life. Prosecutors allege Dewani hired him to kill his wife.

Taxi driver Zola Tongo was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the killing. Another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, pleaded guilty to murder and received a 25-year prison sentence.

Dewani, who is being detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, has denied any part in the murder. –Sapa