Shrien Dewani has been arrested in the United Kingdom as police continue to investigate the murder of his wife Anni in South Africa in November.

The couple were honeymooning in the country on November 13th when they were carjacked while taking a detour through Gugulethu townships.

Pictured: Shrien and Anni Dewani on their wedding day

Shrien originally claimed, after they had robbed the couple of all their valuables, three men kicked him out of the taxi but abducted his wife.

Anni’s body was discovered several hours later in the back of the abandoned taxi. She had been shot in the neck. 

However, South Africa investigators have questioned this account following the arrest of three suspects.

On Tuesday, taxi driver Zola Tongo told Western Cape High Court he was offered R15,000 (£1,400) by Shrien Dewani to kill his wife.

Tongo offered the information as part of a plea bargain which will see him serve 18 years in jail for his part in the murder.

He was arrested alongside Xolile Mnguni and Mziwamadoda Qwabe, both of whom now face charges of murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.

Arrest

Scotland Yard said Mr Dewani had been arrested following an extradition request by prosecutors in South Africa.

He is accused of conspiracy to murder and is due to appear before City of Westminster magistrates court later today.

The South African justice department said it would initiate full extradition proceedings when it had received further documentation from prosecutors.

Brigadier Sally de Beer, of the South African Police Service, said: “I can confirm that a warrant for the arrest of the husband of the slain tourist, Anni Dewani, was obtained by the South African Police Service after testimony implicating Shrien Dewani in her murder was given in court.

“The warrant of arrest was forwarded to our counterparts in the UK - the foreign assistance division - who acknowledged receipt and advised that they would act on it.

“The normal processes will now be followed, in conjunction with relevant role players, in order to ensure that justice takes its course in this matter.”

Family Response

Family representatives have branded the accusations “totally ludicrous”.

Mr Dewani’s spokesman Max Clifford added: “He gave himself in and is obviously co-operating with the authorities, protesting his innocence.”

Mr Clifford went on to explain Mr Dewani had surrendered himself at a police station in Bristol on Tuesday and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of conspiring to murder his wife.