Government shells out millions to fly Dewani to South Africa

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 South African taxpayers have shelled out nearly R3 million to fly honeymoon murder-accused Shrien Dewani from the United Kingdom to South Africa.

The Justice Department revealed yesterday that it spent R2.9 million on a private charter jet, saying several factors were considered when making the call.

Ministry spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga, said these included that Dewani had suicidal tendencies and the government did not want to take any chances.

He said a doctor, nurse, a police and an official from Interpol accompanied Dewani on the flight.

Mhaga said his peculiar medical condition needed to be monitored and the situation on a commercial fight had the potential to compromise it which could have had an adverse effect on the pending medical examination in a bid to ensure that he recovers.

Dewani appeared in court in Cape Town on Tuesday where he was remanded to Valkenberg Psychiatric hospital for the next four weeks.