Shrien Dewani honeymoon murder extradition begins
Shrien Dewani, who is accused of orchestrating the murder of his wife during their honeymoon in South Africa, begins his extradition hearing.
The full five day extradition hearing started on Monday at Westminster magistrates’ court. Mr Dewani, 33, is accused of plotting the death of his 28-year-old wife Anni in November 2010.
Anni Dewani was shot dead after the hijack of the taxi the couple were travelling in on the outskirts of Cape Town. Mr Dewani and the driver, Zola Tongo, were thrown out of the vehicle, before Mrs Dewani was driven away and killed.
Tongo was jailed for 18 years after admitting his role in the death. Another South African, Xolile Mhgeni, was found guilty of premeditated murder, while another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, was sentenced to 25 years after admitting charges relating to the murder.
Tongo claimed in a plea bargain that Mr Dewani had paid for a hit on his new wife and ordered the carjacking, something Dewani has consistently denied.
Dewani has been receiving treatment for mental health problems, including post traumatic stress disorder and depression, at a Bristol hosptial.
At the hearing, prosecuting QC Hugo Keith said Mr Dewani’s condition and risk of suicide had all improved. He told the court it would not be “oppressive” to extradite him.
“We suggest that there has been significant and sustained improvement (in his depression),” he said, adding that Mr Dewani had talked about returning to South Africa to fight the case against him.
The authorities in Pretoria have promised that if he is found to be ill, he will be admitted to a mental hospital, and also said that he would be kept in a cell on his own to reduce the risk of being attacked.
Mr Dewani himself was not at the hearing, but his father and brother were in court – along with members of Anni Dewani’s family.
His lawyers claim that he would be at risk of suicide if he was sent for trial in South Africa, and could be subjected to violent assault in jail.