The Prosecution of Dewani in South Africa

[Arrowfoot]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/08/shrien-dewani-trial-what-went-wrong

Probably one of the most bungled prosecution in a long while.

 

[ianrauk]

They get away with murder in South Africa.

 

[Arrowfoot]

Apologies, got the wrong folder.

Mod, pl assist.

 

[spen666]

That article is so biased and inaccurate as to be laughable. In fact it has less connection to reality than the prosecution case against Dewani

 

[Tin Pot]

It's great to see justice be served and that the world is not quite as horrible as the Daily Mail would like.

It's a shame that an innocent mans life has been ruined though.

 

[gbb]

It's great to see justice be served and that the world is not quite as horrible as the Daily Mail would like.

It's a shame that an innocent mans life has been ruined though.

My understanding is he's been found 'Not Guilty'....thats not the same as 'innocent'.

 

[Levo-Lon]

DPP Rodney de Kock? Says it all really lol
I find the SA legal system is all about keeping prisons empty...

 

[Arjimlad]

With such poor evidence the outcome could very well have been the same here.

The prosecution have to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. This is, rightly, a high standard of proof. If the Judge accepted the same submissions here the Jury would be discharged.

 

[chewa]

It's always difficult to judge when relying on news reports. Basic thing seems to be, the prosecutions case was based on testimony from the guys who were involved in the kidnapping/murder and who had been given a deal to testify.

The judge found their testimony contradictory and unreliable so no case to answer. It would have been the same over here (though we would hope the CPS or PF) would have done a better job. It is better that 10 guilty men go free rather than one innocent man be imprisoned. The standard is beyond reasonable doubt and there was obviously lots of doubt.

The family are considering a civil action, where the standard of proof is less.

 

[Crackle]

The parents of Anni seem to believe he was involved if they're planning a prosecution over here, or if not involved, culpable for the daughters death. it's hard to imagine what they must have gone through and still are going through.

 

[Over The Hill]

Can the evidence give by the people that shot her as part of a plea bargain really be seen as reliable? Surely they have a clear motive to pin it on him to lessen their own involvement.

 

[Bromptonaut]

My understanding is he's been found 'Not Guilty'....thats not the same as 'innocent'.

In English law it would be nearer 'No Case to Answer'.

 

[spen666]

Can the evidence give by the people that shot her as part of a plea bargain really be seen as reliable? ....

I thought it was said she was shot as part of a kidnapping or murder plot.

I have never heard of anyone shot as part of a plea bargain. I wonder what would have happened to her if there was not a plea bargain?

 

[spen666]

In English law it would be nearer 'No Case to Answer'.

It would be a Judge Directed Acquittal.

These are not uncommon in England

 

[gbb]

I don't think there was a verdict of any sort.

See C4 news..
http://www.channel4.com/news/shrien-dewani-trial-case
Specifically the words...
Announcing her ruling, the judge said: "The accused is found not guilty of this charge."

Same was stated on 5 Live news last night as well...