Media at airport for Dewani’s arrival

Honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani. Photographs of Dewani during his first court appearance in SA were prohibited. File picture: Matt Dunham/AP

Honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani. Photographs of Dewani during his first court appearance in SA were prohibited. File picture: Matt Dunham/AP

Published Apr 8, 2014

Share

Cape Town - Media camera crews were setting up their equipment in the arrivals hall at Cape Town International Airport before 7am on Tuesday, hours ahead of the anticipated arrival of honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani.

The millionaire businessman is expected to touch down on British Airways flight BA059 direct out of London's Heathrow Airport.

According to the electronic information board in the arrivals hall, the flight will land at 9.56am.

Dewani is set to be whisked from the airport to the Western Cape High Court where he is expected to appear before Judge President John Hlophe at 11.30am.

The justice department on Monday said Dewani was being accompanied on the flight by a medical doctor, a nurse, and members of the SA Police Service.

When he appears in court, he is expected to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice.

Dewani claimed he and his wife Anni were kidnapped at gunpoint as they drove through Gugulethu in Cape Town in a taxi in November 2010.

The couple had been on honeymoon in the country. Dewani was released unharmed while his wife's body was found in the abandoned car the next day. She had been shot dead.

Xolile Mngeni was convicted of the murder and jailed for life.

Prosecutors alleged Dewani hired him to kill his wife. Two other alleged accomplices are also already serving jail terms in connection with the crimes. Dewani has denied any part in the murder.

On Monday night, Anni’s family spoke of their relief to see Dewani being sent to South Africa to face the allegations about his wife’s death, saying they have endured a nightmare over the past three years.

Her brother Anish Hindocha said: “Tonight, we finally see him being sent on that flight and that is one step closer to finding out what happened to Anni and why, so it is a relief for us.

“I would say I’m happy. I’m delighted this trial is one step forward. Anni is not at peace now and we’re not in peace that is why we need this… We can’t move on with our lives.”

Hindocha, who wore a photograph of his sister decorated with pink ribbons as he spoke at a press conference in London, broke down in tears as he added: “Sometimes I call my father at four or five in the morning and he’s awake he can’t sleep, I can’t sleep, it’s all we’re thinking about.”

It is understood that Dewani could stand trial in September if he is found fit to do so.

If he is not fit to stand trial within 18 months he will be returned to the UK. - Sapa, Daily Mail

Related Topics: