Honeymoon murder suspect to be extradited to South Africa in April

British businessman Shrien Dewani arriving at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, in south-east London on Feb 24, 2011. British murder suspect Shrien Dewani will be extradited to South Africa next month to face charges he arranged to have his wife killed du
British businessman Shrien Dewani arriving at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court, in south-east London on Feb 24, 2011. British murder suspect Shrien Dewani will be extradited to South Africa next month to face charges he arranged to have his wife killed during their honeymoon, officials said on Sunday, March 23, 2014. -- FILE PHOTO: AFP

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - British murder suspect Shrien Dewani will be extradited to South Africa next month to face charges he arranged to have his wife killed during their honeymoon, officials said on Sunday.

South Africa's Justice Department said Dewani, 33, is expected to leave Britain on April 7 and touch down in South Africa on April 8 under plans being finalised with the British government.

"When he lands in South Africa, the National Prosecution Authority and the South African Police are going to call him to appear in Court, which is the Western Cape High Court," ministry spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said.

Dewani is accused of ordering the killing of his 28-year-old Swedish wife Anni in Cape Town in November 2010.

He has fought a long legal battle not to be extradited from Britain to face proceedings over his wife's death until he has recovered from mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

But the High Court in London ruled in January that he could be extradited provided South African authorities undertake to return him to Britain if his mental health deteriorated.

Dewani denies any involvement in the killing of his new wife, who was shot as the taxi the couple were travelling in was apparently carjacked.

A South African man, Xolile Mngeni, was jailed for life for the murder in December 2012. Two other men jailed over the killing allege that Dewani ordered the hit.

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