Shrien Dewani trial: Extradited Brit remanded to psychiatric hospital

EXTRADITED Brit Shrien Dewani has been remanded to a psychiatric hospital in South Africa as he awaits trial for the murder of his wife.

shrien dewani, south africa, anni, murder, killing, wife, newlyweds, husband, arranged, organised, cnspiracy, cape town, Valkenberg hospital, EXTRADITED: Shrien Dewani has been referred to a psychiatric hospital [PA/AP]

He is accused of arranging the killing of his 28-year-old new wife Anni on their honeymoon in November 2010.

Dewani, 34, was charged today after landing at Cape Town's international airport in a plane chartered by South Africa's justice ministry.

There were concerns about security and adequate monitoring of his medical condition if he had taken a commercial flight, the ministry said in a statement.

The government "did not want to take chances" with Dewani's transfer because of "undisputed evidence" during his extradition hearing that he had shown suicidal tendencies.

Lawyers for the 34-year-old businessman say he suffers from post-traumatic stress and depression and is unfit to stand trial. He arrived in South Africa with an escort consisting of a doctor, a nurse and officials from Interpol and the South African police, the government said.

ACCUSED: Shrien allegedly organised the murder of his new wife ACCUSED: Shrien allegedly organised the murder of his new wife [PA]

In a statement, Mr Dewani's family said he "remains committed to proving his innocence" and "uncovering the truth behind his wife's murder.


"We are grateful to the South African authorities for these assurances. Shrien's family and his legal team have every confidence in the South African judicial system.


Dewani, who denies wrongdoing, is accused of hiring men to kill his wife and make it look like a botched carjacking during what he said was a township tour. Three men, including the cab's driver and a gunman, have been convicted for the murder.

Dewani was taken in a police convoy soon after his arrival in South Africa to the Western Cape High Court.

He was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice and his case was postponed to May 12, pending a medical examination to determine whether he would be able to stand trial, the South African police said in a statement.

PROTEST: Demonstrators outside the courtroom PROTEST: Demonstrators outside the courtroom [REUTERS]

TRIAL: Shrien leaving the courtroom after being referred to hospital TRIAL: Shrien leaving the courtroom after being referred to hospital [GETTY]

Dewani will be held at the Valkenberg psychiatric hospital in Cape Town, the South African Press Association reported.

The Brit, who had grey streaks in his hair, looked straight ahead during his court appearance. He was represented by prominent lawyer Francois van Zyl.

Some of his relatives attended the hearing. Members of the women's league of South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, gathered at the courthouse to condemn violence against women and show support for the family of Anni Dewani.

South African authorities had allowed Dewani to leave for Britain after his wife's killing. He was later arrested there, setting the stage for a legal battle over extradition that lasted years. Britain's High Court last month rejected all his grounds for appeal.

The case has been postponed until 12 May.