Murder Suspect One Step Closer to South Africa Extradition

(Posted on 18/08/11)

Shrien Dewani is now one step closer to finding himself in a South Africa courtroom to be tried for the murder of his wife, Anni, while on their honeymoon in November, 2010.

Today, District Judge Howard Riddle gave the thumbs up and said he would honour the treaty between South Africa and Britain, thereby clearing the way for Dewani to be returned and held until he's tried for the death of his wife. Before that can happen, however, District Judge Riddle said he would forward to the the secretary of state in an effort to "dot the i's and cross the t's", so to speak. Solicitors in the UK that we spoke to say they see nothing that would prevent Dewani from boarding a plane to South Africa.

Meanwhile, Dewani continues to insist he suffers from post traumatic stress disorder and that he's not well enough to travel. South African prisons are notorious for the level of violence inmates suffer and because Dewani is accused of hiring hit men to murder a woman, it's likely he will be targeted.

Anni Hindocha Dewani was born in Sweden and grew up to become quite successful in her ventures, one of which included modeling. She married Shrien Dewani in 2010 and the couple chose South Africa as their honeymoon destination. During a "slum tour" while honeymooning, the taxi the newlyweds occupied was hijacked. The driver was kicked out of the cab, followed by Dewani a few miles away. The cab, with the kidnappers and Anni, disappeared into the night. Later, the cab was found with Anni Dewani's remains.

The two accused kidnappers have denied their involvement but have been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping based on the plea agreement the cab driver made with prosecutors. He said he was approached by Dewani the first night the couple arrived. They made plans later to carry out the murder plot and it's at that time the cab driver was said to have hired the hitmen. The cab driver, Zola Robert Tongo, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. The two kidnappers are awaiting trial.

Dewani's solicitors in the UK continue to fight the extradition of their client. The decision by the secretary of state is expected soon.