Minister Jeff Radebe welcomes the decision to extradite Mr Dewani
24 Jul 2013
Minster Jeff Radebe welcomes the ruling by the Westminster Magistrates Court earlier today that Mr Shrien Dewani must be extradited to South Africa. We welcome the judgement as it evidently reaffirms our strong view that SA legal system is internationally recognised as fair and one that upholds the rule of law.
We are also pleased that at last Mr Dewani will stand trial for the alleged murder that induced a sense of shock and outrage national as well as around the world. We guarantee him and the entire world that he will indeed receive a fair trial as the South African justice system is one that recognises basic human rights as enshrined in our constitution.We also want to congratulate our prosecution team led by NPA and investigative team that worked tirelessly to ensure he is finally extradited to SA.
We also welcome the confidence expressed by the Chief Magistrate in South Africa‘s ability, and that of Valkenberg Hospital in particular, to care for and treat Mr Dewani. In this regard the Minister acknowledges the assistance provided by the Department of Correctional Services and the Provincial Department of Health, who provided specific undertakings on how Mr Dewani will be cared for and treated upon his return.
The favourable ruling does not however mean that Mr Dewani will be returned to South Africa immediately. He has further legal remedies available to him, including applying to the Administrative Court for a certificate on a point of law of general public importance. Mr Dewani has fourteen days within which he must apply for this certificate. Should he choose not to apply for a certificate he must be extradited to South Africa within 28 days of the expiration of the fourteen days. If Mr Dewani does apply for a certificate then his return to South Africa will be delayed and this will be influenced by a number of factors, including whether he succeeds in obtaining a certificate and whether he ultimately obtains leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Statement issued by Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, Spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, July 24 2013
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