A man has been charged with murder in South Africa following the death of a British woman on her honeymoon in the country over the weekend.

Newlyweds Shrien and Anni Dewani had been travelling in a taxi near Cape Town on Saturday when they were kidnapped by armed men.

While Mr Dewani was released unharmed, his wife was found dead in the taxi in Khayelitsha on Sunday morning.

A 26-year-old man has been charged with murder and hijacking.

The events caused outrage in Britain and around the world, undermining positive perceptions of South Africa generated during the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

However, Mr Dewani has said this personal tragedy should not put visitors off from visiting South Africa.

“What has happened to us is tragic but you can’t punish the whole country for the actions of two individuals,” he said.

“That would be irrational. On the whole the people here have been overwhelmingly friendly and caring.

“I think that any time you are away from your comfort zone you have to exercise caution. But I wouldn’t say ‘don’t come to South Africa’.”

Arrest

The arrested man is due to appear in court in Khayelitsha, a township near Cape Town, on Thursday.

His accomplice in the crime remains on the run.

Mr Dewani said on Saturday night, after dinner in a suburb and a walk on the beach, the couple got in a taxi to head back to Cape Town.

They had sought “real South Africa”, he said, encouraging their taxi driver to leave the motorway and head towards Gugulethu township.

The plan was simply to drive through but, two miles outside, their vehicle was carjacked by armed men.