New investigation by The Guardian newspaper into the death of Shrien Dewani's wife
By Becky_Feather | Friday, February 18, 2011, 10:24
Almost 100 days since the honeymoon murder in South Africa last November of the wife of Westbury-on-Trym businessman Shrien Dewani, The Guardian has carried out an investigation and published a story under the sub-heading 'Claims of police torture and rapid plea bargains by under-pressure crime unit raise questions over Anni Dewani murder'
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Shrien and Anni Dewani, pictured at their wedding two weeks before she was murdered during their honeymoon in South Africa
Here is an extract: "A Guardian investigation has found allegations from lawyers for the two alleged killers in South Africa that they were tortured by police.
"One of the men insists his account, alleging Dewani was involved, was "suggested" to him by the police and his lawyer also claims a crucial identity parade was flawed.
"In addition, the Guardian has seen police papers that show how quickly – within 36 hours – detectives appeared to believe and accept the vital testimony of the third man, taxi driver Zola Tongo, who is serving a reduced sentence for his part in the murder in exchange for his testimony against Dewani.
"As Dewani waits on bail in the UK for his next extradition hearing, the Guardian investigation refocuses attention on South Africa's police force and its controversial national commissioner, General Bheki Cele, who faces calls to resign after branding Dewani a "monkey" and appearing to prejudge his guilt."
Here's the link to the article.
Meanwhile the two South African men accused of murdering 28-year-old Anni Dewani, Mziwamadoda Qwabe and Xolile Mngeni, are due in appear in court a week today.
It is thought a decision will be made then whether to prosecute them try to wait for when and if Mr Dewani, 31, is extradited.
The three-day extradition hearing is scheduled to start on May 3 in London.
Mr Dewani, who is said to be suffering from acute stress following the death of his wife of two weeks, is living under curfew as part of his bail conditions at his home in Passage Road.
Comments
Mr Dewani still has questions to answer before a SA court. He is very much a suspect. Nothing new has emerged from the Gaurdian. Allegations of torture emerged immediately after Mr Qwabe was arrested in November last year. This trial should be in a SA court, not in the media. I take the words of the political heads of the police and prosecution in SA no more seriously than I take Max "Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster" Clifford! The real victims of this tragedy are the Hindochas, they've lost their daughter and crave justice and closure. Mr Dewani should stop playing spin doctor tricks and go to SA to clear this up!
By zenscape at 06:08 on 21/02/11
ReportAs a South African I can say that it is unlikely that this man will get a fair trial. The place is run on the old regimes principles of bribery and corruption. The whole affair just sounds like a typical scam with murderous consequences. There is so much to be gained by persuading the world that South Africa is a safe place that I just cant see how the corrupt judiciary there could let this one go.
I left the country because it had become so dangerous and Id advise anyone going to treat any taxi driver who is offering to be your "tour guide" with caution - hes probably going to feed you to the lions!!
By avocadoblue at 17:01 on 20/02/11
ReportIgnacius - get off your high horse! SA's judiciary is respected in the UK. Mr Dewani is regarded as innocent before the SA Constitution and should he be extradited, he will be tried by a competent court and judge. That's all there is to it. The rest is publicity stunts and spin doctoring created by your idol, Max Clifford, to create sympathy for his client as he fights extradition! Mr Hindocha said it plainly - "an innocent man has nothing to fear". Mr Hindocha has been to SA and had nothing but praise for the professionalism of the police and courts. He expressed his confidence in both before a contingent of the international. Who would you rather believe, Mr Hindocha or Max Clifford? The fragile young man should have a shower and a shave and get to Cape Town pronto - the Hindochas deserve no less!
By zenscape at 07:58 on 20/02/11
Reportzenscape - Only reluctantly do I engage you since if the claims of yourself and your compatriate nyay1 represent the views of the entire population of South Africa,UK and wait for it .........the World I must be wrong. Perhaps you should let Julian Knowles know he is wasting his time. I am certain that once the extradition commences and evidence is lead you will find a new Max Clifford eh.Julian Knowles.I have no axe to grind with any South African but like many Brits I do believe in fair play and justice.If South Africa has become as corrupt and crime ridden as the Press report then surely any fair person would question its credentials on issues such as Police and Justice. Mr Dewani does in fact enjoy such rights and many others in the UK which may feel strange to you with your shoot from the hip approach. Like I said -developmentally delayed.
By Ignacius at 19:47 on 19/02/11
ReportI am British and I believe that there is a good co-operation and respect between UK and SA Justice departments that will lead to Shrien Dewani's extradition, in spite of attempts to smear the country, judicial system and quote cases of incorrect policing (where similar examples could be raised against many othe countries including Britain)..
Many People around the world believe that Mr Dewani has a case to answer in Cape Town, and call on the Dewani's to allow Shrien to clear his name in South Africa.
Th Guardian article did not mention anything about Shrien's blackberry - reputed to be in the possession of the SA police - or the calls & text messages apparently exchanged between hime and Tonga (Driver). If these are in existance, surely this would be damning...
By nyay1 at 16:35 on 19/02/11
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