Lawyers call for 6 month adjournment to Dewani proceedings

Lawyers defending the case of Brit-Indian businessman have reportedly asked for a six- month adjournment to the proceedings citing the reason of the 'delicate stage' in his recovery.

Shrien Dewani is fighting extradition to South Africa where he is accused of hiring a hitman to kill his wife Anni, 28 during their honeymoon. She was shot dead in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010.

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According to the BBC, Anni Dewani's family said that they were hoping for 'closure' as the extradition hearing ended on Thursday.

However, the lawyers representing South African authorities told the court that any delay in proceedings was unnecessary as any temporary dip in Dewani's condition would be managed by health services in the country.

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Dewani who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and is treated at a hospital near Bristol has been excused from attending the hearing.

Defending, Claire Montgomerie QC said that if he cannot get fit here after two-and-a-half years, one has to recognize given the severity of his condition that he may never get fit adding that his deterioration is not a risk.

Hugo Keith QC for the South African government also agreed that there was no point in extending the hearing adding that waiting for another six months would mean Dewani and the legal progress would be in no different position than at the start of this year, the report added.