All set for Dewani’s extradition

Shrien Dewani will undergo a psychiatric assessment in South Africa (REUTERS)

The Justice Department says it’s ready for the extradition of honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani next Tuesday.

Dewani has to undergo a psychiatric assessment in South Africa to determine whether his prosecution for the murder of his wife, Anni, will go ahead.

He is due to be extradited from the UK next week to be charged with the murder.

Anni Dewani was shot dead in Khayelitsha, on the Cape Flats, while on honeymoon in November 2010.

Legal expert William Booth says once Dewani arrives in the country he will be charged, but the assessment will also have to be done very soon.

Booth says in terms of the ruling of the court in the UK, if it is established that after assessment he is unfit to stand trial, he then would return to the UK. Booth adds that such is a factor that needs to be looked at immediately.

According to Booth, if the assessment is not done immediately, Dewani would certainly have the right to apply for bail.

Meanwhile, Anni’s family members have said they will not travel to South Africa on Tuesday for Dewani’s first court appearance.

Anni’s uncle, Ashok Hindocha, adds that the family is relieved that the case finally took a huge step forward.

“We have decided not to be there on Tuesday, because it’s just a formal process. We will be there from day one of the case.”