Decks cleared for Dewani's extradition to SA over wife's murder conspiracy

Cape Town, Dec 25 (ANI): Extradition papers of Shrien Dewani, the Brit-Indian millionaire whose wife was murdered during their honeymoon in Cape Town last month, have reportedly been processed by the South African Justice Department, clearing the way for his extradition from the UK to stand trial for allegedly conspiring to kill his wife.

News 24 quoted ministry spokesperson Tlali Tlali as saying that the step was taken to ensure that any suspect alleged to have committed a crime in South Africa was brought back to stand trial in that country.

"The extradition papers which have now been processed by the central authority (DG, Justice Department) confirm that we are satisfied that our request to have Dewani extradited from the UK is compliant with the requirements of the existing agreement on matters of this nature, including the 40-day period within which to submit relevant papers," he said.

"This clears the path for an extradition enquiry to take place in the UK on 20 January 2011," he added.

Talli also said that the move would help to a fair trial could take place based on available evidences.

The application papers were submitted to the justice department by the National Prosecuting Authority on Thursday.

"We submitted the extradition papers to the department of justice, which is the central authority, and they will facilitate the process which goes through the diplomatic channels," NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said.

Dewani is accused of having his wife Anni murdered in a staged hijacking in South Africa in Gugulethu, outside Cape Town, in November this year. (ANI)