Anni's dad cries over Dewani ruling

2011-08-10 14:53

Shrien Dewani arrives at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in London, where a judge ruled he can be extradited to South Africa to face murder charges. (Ki Price, AFP)

London - Anni Dewani's father cried and hugged family members on Wednesday as a British judge ruled that her husband can be extradited to South Africa to face charges for her murder.

After speaking for about two hours, Judge Howard Riddle told a London court that “only by going to stand trial can [Shrien] Dewani be acquitted & clear his name. That may improve his mental illness”.

Vinod Hindocha was quoted by a reporter as saying that Anni would have been happy with the judge’s decision.

Anni’s sister also told a BBC reporter, John Kay, that she was “so happy” with the ruling.

'Questions to answer'

The Hindochas were also quoted by Kay as saying that Shrien Dewani “has questions to answer” and that “extradition is a step in the right direction”.

Dewani has challenged the extradition proceedings, arguing that he is suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and is too unwell to be sent abroad for trial.

The judge said the decision on whether to extradite 31-year-old Dewani, who has denied conspiring to kill his wife in a fake hijacking in Cape Town last November, would need to be approved by British Home Secretary Theresa May.

"As the issues arising above have been decided adversely to the defendant, I must send this case to the secretary of state for a decision whether the defendant is to be extradited," his judgment said.

According to Reuters, Dewani's lawyers can also appeal against the decision to higher courts, meaning a final decision may be some months away.

The Dewani family was also present in court.

- News24