Indian businessman in UK accused of plotting wife’s murder during honeymoon

News East-West

LONDON: An Indian-origin businessman from Bristol, who is accused of ordering the murder of his wife on honeymoon in Cape Town three years ago, faces deportation to face trial in South Africa.

Thirtythree-year-old Shrien Dewani had allegedly ordered the killing of his wife Anni, 28, in Cape Town in South Africa where they had gone for honeymoon in November 2010. He was arrested after the murder and granted bail in December 2010.

But his lawyers say he is mentally too ill to face trial in South Africa as he is undergoing treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The incident happened on Nov 13, 2010, when Dewani and his newly wife Anni were travelling in Gugulethu in South Africa. Suddenly, assailants hijacked their taxi, threw Dewani out and sped away with his wife.

Her body was found the next morning in the abandoned car. She had been robbed of her Armani wristwatch, gold diamond bracelet, and cell phone, and there was one gunshot wound to her neck.

Police later arrested three persons, including taxi driver Zola Tongo who admitted to a plot by Dewani to eliminate his wife with their help.

The taxi driver got 18 years in jail in a plea bargain in which he implicated Dewani for ordering the killing of his wife.

The two other men, who have also been convicted, too admitted to being part of a plot by Dewani to eliminate his wife.

After being implicated by the three co-accused, Dewani was arrested but granted bail in December 2010.

Why would Dewani order the killing of his newly married will be known only during his trial.

But his lawyers told Westminster Magistrates Court last week that Dewani was mentally too ill to be deported to Cape Town.

But the South African government has assured him full treatment during the trial.

Dewani’s father Prakash appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court last week.

The family of vicitm Anni, including her mother Nilam Hindocha, brother Anish Hindocha, sister Ami Denborg and father Vinod Hindocha also appeared in the court to seek justice for her.