UK signs Dewani extradition order

2011-09-28 16:15

Shrien Dewani. (Ki Price, AFP)

Johannesburg - The UK home secretary has signed an extradition order for Shrien Dewani to be tried in South Africa for the murder of his wife Anni, the NPA said on Wednesday.

"Dewani will have 14 days to give notice of appeal, if he decides to do so," National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.

The British Home Office would send a copy of the extradition order to the High Commission for transmission to South Africa.

A London judge ruled on August 10 that Dewani could be extradited to South Africa.

He is accused of arranging the murder of his wife when they were on honeymoon in Cape Town last November. He claimed they had been hijacked.

On his return to the UK, he was admitted to a facility for treatment for post-traumatic stress. His defence had said he was too ill to travel.

Xolile Wellington Mngeni, Mziwamadoda Lennox Qwabe, shuttle operator Zola Robert Tongo and Monde Mbolombo were arrested during investigations.

Tongo was already serving a jail sentence imposed on him by the Western Cape High Court in plea bargain proceedings.

Mbolombo turned State's witness and would testify in the trial of Mngeni and Qwabe.

- SAPA