The Department of Justice welcomes the judgment handed down today by the British High Court
The High Court has ruled that Shrien Dewani can be extradited to the Republic of South Africa to stand trial on condition that the Republic of South Africa (RSA) provides an undertaking to the United Kingdom (UK) that Mr Dewani will be returned to the UK if he is found to be unfit to be tried in the RSA.
The RSA has until 14 February 2014 to indicate to the High Court that it intends to provide an undertaking and should the RSA do so it must submit an authenticated copy of the undertaking to the Court by 21 February 2014.
The High Court ruling sets out in clear terms the conditions upon which it is prepared to sanction Mr Dewani’s return to the RSA to stand trial. The RSA, including the NPA, will study the judgment and liaise with the necessary stakeholders to ensure that it complies with the directive of the Court.
The RSA initiated the extradition application in January 2011 and has consistently expressed its desire to have Mr Dewani returned to stand trial. That desire has not abated and the RSA will obviously do everything in its power to ensure compliance with the High Court’s judgment.
Enquiries:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Cell: 083 641 8141
