Dewani T-shirts spark outrage - report

Anni Dewani with her husband Shrien. Photo: Facebook

Anni Dewani with her husband Shrien. Photo: Facebook

Published Jun 28, 2012

Share

Cape Town - A Durban businessman has caused an uproar for selling T-shirts with the message “Dewani Tours - treat your wife to a killer holiday”, reports have said.

The message refers to the killing of honeymoon bride Anni Dewani in Gugulethu township of Cape Town in 2010, for which her British husband Shrien Dewani is facing extradition from England to South Africa to stand trial after being implicated in the murder.

The message uses a popular English font type resembling Hindi script, reminding readers of Anni Dewani's Indian origins.

An indian website quoted Gugulethu resident Vusi Ndoda as saying: “This is a blatant disregard and disrespectful way of showing no remorse over a killing that shocked not just South Africa but the world.”

But Dinesh Dowlath, the man behind the idea, has rejected suggestions that he was making light of the horrific murder, pointing out that T-shirts with controversial statements have been the speciality of his stores.

Although agreeing to the sensitivity of the matter, Dowlath reportedly said that there was a market for such clothing as people see the humour in them.

“These T-shirts are for a discerning intelligent market,” Dowlath reportedly said, adding that although he created most of the slogans on his T-shirts, this one was suggested by a customer.

According to reports, Dowlath said the T-shirts were sold for R150 each. He said only about 150 of the T-shirts had been made, but it had been removed from the shelves after people complained it was insensitive.

Meanwhile, Anni's family has called on Dowlath to “let decency prevail”.

“As a family, we haven't even started our grieving because the case is on hold and yet, there are those horrible people out there who see profit in this,” Anni's uncle Ashok Dewani was quoted as saying. - IOL

Related Topics: