Dewani charged on five counts, case postponed

British millionaire and honeymoon murder-accused Shrien Dewani has been charged on five counts including the murder of his wife.

According to the indictment handed to the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday, he is charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, kidnapping, and defeating the ends of justice.

He has not yet been asked to plead.

The case against Dewani was postponed until 12 May. Dewani will be transferred in custody to the Valkenberg Hospital for further care and treatment.

Dewani claimed he and his wife Anni were kidnapped at gunpoint as they drove through Gugulethu in Cape Town in a taxi in November 2010. The couple had been on honeymoon in the country. He was released unharmed, but his wife's body was found in the abandoned car the next day. She had been shot dead.

Xolile Mngeni was convicted of the murder and jailed for life. Prosecutors allege Dewani hired him to kill his wife.

Two other alleged accomplices are also already serving jail terms in connection with the crime. Dewani has denied any part in the murder.

- SAPA