A magistrate rules that honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani should be extradited to South Africa to face trial over his wife’s death.
Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle told Westminster magistrates’ court that the 33-year old businessman should return to the country, despite arguments by his defence team that he could suffer setbacks in his mental health if sent back now. They argued that the decision should be delayed by six months.
But Mr Dewani’s lawyers intend to appeal against the decision, a spokesman for his family said today.
The courtroom was packed with Anni Dewani’s relatives, who wore photographs of her pinned to their clothes, decorated with pink ribbons.
Shrien Dewani has undergone treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since his wife’s death.
He is suspected of ordering the killing of his new wife Anni, 28, who was shot as the couple travelled in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010.
District Judge Riddle said: “It is not in question that Shrien Dewani will be returned to South Africa. The treating clinicians continue to state that Mr Dewani will recover.
“There has been recovery, but it has been slow. It may be a long time before Mr Dewani is fit to plead, but he may be closer to that point.
“It is not impossible that if returned now, then after a reasonable period of further treatment and assessment he will be found fit to plead and a trial can take place.”
But in a statement released after the ruling, Mr Dewani’s family said: “Lawyers acting for Shrien Dewani will review today’s judgment and lodge an appeal during which time Shrien will remain in the UK. Shrien Dewani remains unfit to be extradited or to face trial.
“Shrien remains committed to returning to South Africa when his health would permit a full trial and when appropriate protections are in place for his health and safety.”
Outside court, Anni Dewani’s sister, Ami Denborg, said the family was satisfied with the decision, adding: “For us, it is all about Anni, it’s all about finding out what happened. We will fight this battle to the end and this battle has just begun.”
She said they were hoping for a speedy recovery for Mr Dewani so he was fit to plead.
Referring to her father Vinod Hindocha, she said: “Every single time there’s a hearing he stands there, watching, seeing and thinking about Anni. She is always with us.”
So far three men have been convicted over Mrs Dewani’s death.
Last year South African Xolile Mngeni was convicted of premeditated murder for shooting her.
Prosecutors claimed that he was a hitman hired by Mr Dewani to kill his wife, something the businessman has consistently denied.
Taxi driver Zola Tongo was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the killing, and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, also pleaded guilty to murder and was handed a 25-year prison sentence.
The Dewani case
13 Nov 2010 - Shrien and Anni Dewani's cab hijacked in township of Gugulethu on outskirts of Cape Town on their honeymoon; Mr Dewani escapes, his wife is shot dead.
16 Nov - Mr Dewani leaves South Africa.
7 Dec - Mr Dewani arrested in Bristol on suspicion of conspiring to murder wife; Zola Tongo jailed for 18 years.
3 March 2011 - Mr Dewani, said to be suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder, sent to Priory hospital.
10 Aug - Judge Howard Riddle rules Mr Dewani can be extradited to South Africa to stand trial.
20 Sept - South African court hears Mr Dewani sought hitman to murder wife.
28 Sept - Home Secretary Theresa May signs order for Mr Dewani to be extradited.
30 Sept - Mr Dewani lodges appeal against Mrs May's decision.
30 March 2012 - High court temporarily halts extradition.
8 Aug - Mzwamadoda Qwabe jailed for 25 years.
5 Dec - Xolile Mngeni jailed for life.
11 April 2013 - court told Mr Dewani's mental health has improved "significantly".
15 May - Mr Dewani's QC says his health has deteriorated.
24 July - court rules Mr Dewani should be extradited.