Taxpayers fund R2.9m Dewani fare

CONTROVERSY dogs a decision by South African authorities to spend an estimated R2.9-million on hiring a private plane to bring Shrien Dewani to South Africa, but Justice Department insists it was money well spent.

Dewani arrived just before 9.30am yesterday on board a luxury Gulfstream V plane chartered from Dana Executive Jets – a company registered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

After landing, he had an opportunity to freshen up before being driven to the jam-packed court.

At court he was formally processed by police and those who had seen him described him as confident and “looking well”. But there were gasps from the public gallery as the grey-haired, clean-shaven man in a tailored charcoal suit and tie walked towards the dock to face Judge President John Hlophe.

He looked nothing like the fresh-faced young man who married Anni Hindocha in 2010.

Dewani appeared calm at first, then someone coughed and his eyes went wild.

Another cough and he couldn’t conceal his bewilderment.

He continued to twitch throughout his short appearance. While advocate Rodney de Kock for the state addressed the court, Dewani edged forward and tried to indicate he could not hear or understand what was being said.

His brother, sister, father, mother, aunt and uncle filled a bench adjacent to the dock – stern faced as journalists gawked.

They were accompanied by British High Commission staff.

His high-profile advocate, Francois van Zyl, was also at their side.

Dewani was charged with kidnapping, robbery, murder and obstructing the administration of justice.

De Kock told the court that South Africa had made an undertaking to ensure he received appropriate medical treatment for his psychological illness.

Dewani is being treated for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. “He requires treatment and shall be transferred to the general psychiatric ward at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital,” said De Kock.

He said if Dewani’s condition did not improve in 18 months, he could be returned to the UK.

After proceedings, Hlophe instructed police not once, but twice: “Take him to the cells”.

Hawks spokesman Captain Paul Ramaloko said: “We are ready to start with the trial now, we are actually dependent on his health. Once medical experts indicate that he is ready, we will start questioning him.’’

While the family refused to speak to the media they issued a statement indicating that he was “committed” to proving his innocence and “uncovering the truth” behind his wife’s murder.

“Shrien’s family and his legal team have every confidence in the South African judicial system.

“We look forward to his health improving, his name being cleared and there being an end to this legal trauma for all involved.

“We recognise the widespread public interest in this case but respect the proper place for its resolution to be the South African courts,” the statement read.

Dewani had originally been tipped to arrive on a British Airways flight from Heathrow but South African authorities, eager to ensure that Dewani’s medical condition was not compromised ahead of his medical examination, hired a private plane instead.

A sizeable media contingent camped at the airport from early yesterday but when the plane touched down there was little to see as Dewani was fetched straight from the plane and never entered the airport building. A few curious onlookers also arrived at the airport, keen to catch a glimpse of him, chatting among themselves about whether or not they thought he was guilty.

Asked about the cost of the charter flight, Justice spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said he could not comment.

But he said Dewani’s “peculiar medical condition”, his suicidal tendencies and his safety were taken into consideration when chartering the flight.

“There was a need to ensure he and the whole team were secured and that would have been difficult on a commercial flight with many passengers, which had potential to compromise their security as his identity is now well known.

“It was therefore paramount that his return to the country was hazard-free in order to ensure that he eventually makes that court appearance without hindrance,” he said yesterday.

Dana Executive Jets did not respond to questions e-mailed to them yesterday but their website indicates that the company is owned by the government of Ras Al Khaimah in the northern part of the UAE, and specialises in “bringing the best of luxury travel to its clients”.

Those flying on its long distance Gulfstream jet are treated to the “finest in-flight entertainment, delectable catering and traditional Arabian hospitality”.

According to specs listed on the Dana website, the plane has an ultra long range and can seat 10 VIP and four other passengers.

And while some charter flight companies were unwilling to divulge the potential cost of such a flight yesterday, an online charter flight calculator puts it at between about R1.4- and R2.5-million.

On top of this there were other expenses, including overflight fees and refuelling costs.

The flight caused a stir on social media sites with several people questioning why their tax money was being used for the extradition.

“What’s wrong with shackles in business class,” asked one Twitter user while former minister Jay Naidoo wrote: “Ordinary citizens robbed of basic needs such as water while Dewani flies in a private plane.”