Dewani Murder: Shrien's Health 'Deteriorates'

The health of a British businessman wanted in South Africa over the honeymoon murder of his wife has "seriously deteriorated", his family has said.

Shrien Dewani, from Bristol, was being treated in a secure mental health hospital for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) so he can be extradited to face the charges.

His family said he had been suffering from chest pains and that tests suggested he had reacted poorly to medication prescribed as part of his mental health treatment.

He was transferred to a different hospital last weekend, the family said.

Dewani's 28-year-old wife Anni was shot when a taxi the couple were travelling in was hijacked in the Gugulethu township on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010.

A statement from the Dewani family said: "Shrien's health has seriously deteriorated. He was admitted to hospital last weekend suffering from severe chest pains.

"He also has a raised creatine kinase level, indicative of another poor reaction to the medication he is being prescribed to improve his mental health."

The statement said doctors had managed to stabilise him and his family was "hopeful of a recovery".

A South African hitman allegedly hired by Dewani was found guilty of premeditated murder and sentenced to life last year.

Prosecutors said Xolile Mngeni had been recruited to carry out the killing in an attack designed to resemble a car hijacking.

Dewani denies orchestrating the attack. A reason for him wanting his new bride killed has not emerged.

Dewani's bail conditions were altered at a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, his family added.

A review of his mental health is set for April ahead of a provisional extradition hearing on July 1.