Top legal minds lined up to defend Dewani

Sources within the legal fraternity believe that Advocate Francois van Zyl SC will act for the 33-year-old British businessman. Advocate Mike Hellens SC, who is currently an acting judge, might also be retained. It is not clear who will conduct the prosecution. Justice Department spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga said the Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions would convene a 'technical meeting' today. The report notes Van Zyl has been involved in several high-profile cases as an advocate and has served as an acting judge. Most notably he represented Schabir Shaik in the highly publicised fraud and corruption case in the KZN High Court (Durban). Dewani is expected to arrive in Cape Town tomorrow. Full report in The Times

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says the investigation into Anni Dewani's murder has been 'conducted professionally' and South Africa's global standing has been enhanced as a result, notes a Cape Times report. 'The case has received widespread coverage both in SA and abroad and I believe our international stature has been enhanced because of the correct way we approached it. This has enhanced SA's image as a country which follows the rule of law and can be trusted in policing matters... The trial of Shrien Dewani is certain to receive major international and local media coverage and I am confident observers will be impressed by what they see,' Mthethwa said. He added he was happy with the convictions of Dewani's three co-accused and was pleased Dewani's extradition had been finalised 'after a long drawn out process'. Full Cape Times report