Dewani was put on the flight to Cape Town from London's Heathrow Airport yesterday to face charges for ordering the contract killing of his 28-year-old wife, which he denies in a case that has sparked international headlines. 

He was taken from Fromeside Hospital in the British city of Bristol, to the airport by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service Extradition Unit. They were met there by officials from the South African authorities who escorted him to the flight.

Dewani was originally arrested by officers from the extradition unit on December 7, 2010 at the request of the South African authorities.

His extradition comes after three years of a protracted legal battle to keep the Bristol-based businessman in the UK.