Shrien Dewani flown to South Africa for murder trial

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/08/shrien-dewani-south-africa-murder-trial

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Shrien Dewani, the British man accused of orchestrating his wife's murder during their honeymoon, is expected to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday after he was extradited from the UK.

The millionaire businessman was flown from Bristol airport on Monday night after a protracted legal battle against extradition on the grounds that he has mental health problems.

His wife Anni Dewani, 28, died when she was shot in the neck as the couple travelled in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010.

The Metropolitan police said Dewani was taken from Fromeside hospital in Bristol to the airport accompanied by officers from its extradition unit. Officers were met at the airport by representatives from the South African authorities who have escorted Dewani on the flight to South Africa.

Relatives of Mrs Dewani earlier told a press conference in London that they "need justice".

Her uncle, Ashok Hindocha, said: "From today and onwards, this case will be about Anni. Until now, it hasn't been about what really happened to her. The justice system is the way it is. Obviously we were extremely surprised that it took such a long time.

"There is one nation, one powerful nation called the United Kingdom, that has a treaty with South Africa. That treaty was challenged, so we are happy that it went through. Unfortunately, it took a long time."

The murder victim's brother Anish Hindocha said: "It's been very difficult. There is no life in our family any more. We struggle. With the help of the South African people, with the help of the British people, we are at least trying to cope. We need justice for Anni. That's the only thing in our minds, and we will hopefully get it soon."

The South African justice department said Dewani was expected to appear at Western Cape high court at 11.30am local time, where he will be formally charged.

He will be accompanied by a doctor, nurse and police officers during the journey, because he is "a patient and suspect who is in police custody".

Journalists will be allowed to film inside the courtroom but all cameras will have to be switched off as soon as the judge enters the room. It is understood that if he is found fit to do so, Dewani could stand trial in September.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We can confirm that Shrien Dewani was extradited on Monday 7 April from the UK to South Africa."