South Africa honeymoon murder: extradition challenge
The husband of a woman murdered in Cape Town faces an extradition hearing on 3 May to see if he must appear in a South African court over allegations he plotted to have her killed, writes Jane Deith.
At the request of the South African authorities, Shrien Dewani was arrested in the UK on suspicion of conspiring to murder his wife Anni Dewani on their honeymoon.
Mrs Dewani was shot when the taxi she and her husband were travelling in was hijacked.
The taxi driver, Zola Tongo, admitted his role in the murder and has started an 18-year prison sentence after making a plea bargain.
Mr Dewani denies any involvement in the hijacking and murder.
Post traumatic stress
He may not be present for the three-day hearing, beginning 3 May, as his defence team says he’s suffering from severe post traumatic stress disorder and clinical depression. A second psychological report has been ordered for a few weeks’ time.
At Woolwich Crown Court, Mr Dewani’s lawyers outlined the grounds on which they intend to challenge his extradition to South Africa. They include the prison conditions there and Mr Dewani’s physical and mental state.
They will also raise concerns about a possible abuse of process in the conduct of the case against Mr Dewani in South Africa, and the extradition process in the UK.