Dewani may be questioned by London coroner

The British businessman, who is acquitted of orchestrating the murder of his wife Anni on their honeymoon in Gugulethu (Cape Town) in November 2010, may face further questioning by a north London coroner.

The coroner, Andrew Walker, has indicated that he may re-open an inquest into the murder of Anni Dewani, meaning that Shrien Dewani could face public questioning under oath.

For three years, Dewani fought extradition back to South Africa on mental health grounds. He was eventually extradited in April 2014. His trial in Cape Town collapsed after Judge Jeanette Traverso ruled the prosecution case “riddled with contradictions” and not strong enough. Dewani was acquitted in December 2014 without ever taking the stand.

Walker lives in north London, where Anni lived before she was married. Walker has allegedly emailed everyone involved in the case saying that he is considering re-opening the inquest, reported The Telegraph.

Walker has heard a number of inquests into the deaths of  British soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to The Telegraph, Walker is known for his unflinching approach and awkward questions.

If Walker re-opens the case, Shrien Dewani could be compelled to give evidence – something that Anni Dewani’s family has repeatedly asked for.

Vinod Hindocha, Anni’s father, and her uncle Ashok, will meet the coroner on 3 February, reported the Daily Mail.

Hindocha said:

“He called us and wanted us to go and see him. We don’t want to speculate what it might lead to. We’ll just go and see.”