Dewani Extradition from the UK to South Africa Uncertain

(Posted on 05/05/11)

Shrien Dewani, the man who many say murdered his beautiful bride on their honeymoon in South Africa in late 2010, was in a UK courtroom this week in an effort to fight South Africa's request for extradition. It is unclear whether District Judge Howard Riddle is satisfied Dewani's human rights will be protected if he allows the extradition.

In November, 2010, Dewani and his new bride, Anni Dewani, were on their honeymoon in South Africa. Five days in, and after dining at a Strand restaurant, their tax driver took them on a slum tour in the area. Within minutes, the cab was hijacked by two armed gunmen, later identified as locals Xolile Mnguni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe. Moments after the hijack, the cab driver, Zola Tongo, was tossed out of the cab and less than a mile from his drop off point, Shrien Dewani was kicked out as well. Within the hour of being tossed out of the cab, police had located the taxi the couple had been traveling in and within the car's trunk was Anni Dewani's badly beaten body. An autopsy revealed she'd died from a gunshot wound to her neck.

Soon, authorities arrested Tongo, who quickly confessed to his part in the crime and then told police of the murder victim's British national husband who had approached Tongo for help in securing someone to carry out the hit. Tongo put Dewani in touch with two hit men.

Following Tongo's arrest and confession, the two hit men were located and arrested. Tongo entered into a plea agreement in return for his testimony and will serve 18 years in a South African prison. Mnguni, who is 23 and Qwabe, who is 25, are currently awaiting trial and face murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges in South Africa. The hit allegedly cost Dewani a total of 15000 rand.

Dewani, who, as mentioned, is a British national, returned to the UK days after his wife's murder. He was accompanied by her casket.

In court this week, he appeared heavy-eyed and distracted. He insists he had nothing to do with his wife's death, though her family has questioned why he would not return to South Africa in an effort to cooperate with authorities investigating her death. Dewani says he fears being wrongly convicted and if so, will be forced to endure abuse, rape and lack of medical attention if he's imprisoned. Citing a lack of beds in the overcrowded prisons, along with a "gang culture" and daily rapes, if Dewani is convicted, it will not be because he killed another man (which is sometimes considered noble), but rather, for the murder of a woman. This is not considered honorable in the prison system and the hierarchies will most certainly brutalize Dewani. During testimony, Dewani asked to return to the mental hospital he's checked himself into, at which time court was temporarily adjourned.

No word on when the judge will announce his decision regarding Dewani's extradition.

Photo courtesy of The Guardian.

Solicitors in Manchester