Shrien Dewani To Be Extradited Over Murder

By Martin Brunt, Crime Correspondent

A judge has ruled that honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani must be extradited to South Africa, even though he is mentally ill and a real suicide risk.

Mr Dewani's lawyers had argued he should be allowed to continue medical treatment in the UK for another six months before being sent to face a Cape Town court.

His family said they would try to challenge the extradition in an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Speaking outside the court, Ami Denborg, Anni Dewani's sister, said it was "one step in the right direction" and that her family hoped he would be sent to South Africa "very soon".

She said the legal process was still a big strain on her family.

"We've been struggling every day. Look at my mum, look at my dad - you can see on their faces," Ms Denborg told reporters.

Shrien Dewani denies plotting to kills his wife

She added: "We don't want to forget Anni in this. For us, this is still all about Anni.

"It's all about finding out what happened to her and we will fight this battle to the end."

Anni Dewani, 28, was shot dead on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010 while the couple were on honeymoon.

The South African authorities say her husband arranged the murder, paying others to hijack their car, throw him out and shoot her before abandoning the vehicle.

Dewani, who has depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, strongly denies the claims.

While he remains moderately depressed, he is improving and will eventually recover, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

His lawyers had expressed concerns that his recovery would suffer a setback if returned to South Africa.

Shrien Dewani (left) pictured earlier this month

They have also argued he would be a high suicide risk and his human rights could be breached because of the risk of violent and sexual assaults in jail, and of contracting HIV.

"Shrien Dewani remains unfit to be extradited or to face trial," said his lawyers following the decision.

"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."

Despite the extradition, a trial could still be some way off as Dewani may not be mentally fit enough to enter a plea for some time.  fit enought o

District Judge Riddle said he should still be sent to South Africa and that it could actually benefit his health.

"The evidence is that Mr Dewani will receive the care he needs in South Africa," said the judge.

Xolile Mngeni was a hit man hired by Mr Dewani, claim prosecutors

"There remains a real risk of suicide, but also confidence that in South Africa, as here, there are systems in place to try to minimise the risk.

"It is far from certain that he will recover more quickly if he remains here," he added.

Newlywed Mrs Dewani was shot when a taxi in which the couple were travelling was hijacked in the Gugulethu township.

Mr Dewani and driver Zola Tongo were ejected from the car before Mrs Dewani was driven away and killed.

She was found dead in the back of the abandoned vehicle with a bullet wound to her neck.

Last year, South African Xolile Mngeni was convicted of premeditated murder for shooting Mrs Dewani.

Prosecutors claimed he was a hitman hired by Shrien Dewani to kill his new wife, something that Dewani has consistently denied.

Tongo was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the crime, and another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, also pleaded guilty and was handed a 25-year sentence.

South African authorities said they were "very excited" about the extradition.

"He (Dewani) will face a fair trial. Any health concerns will be also be taken care of appropriately," said Bulelwa Makeke, from the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa.

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