The National Prosecuting Authority is ready to proceed with extradition proceedings against a British man accused of murdering his wife and two daughters in England before fleeing to South Africa.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma (46) appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court today in two separate matters. He faces extradition proceedings following a request by United Kingdom authorities and a separate charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Both matters were postponed to 8 and 10 September to allow the defence further time to consult with Tshuma.

The State has received all required documentation from UK authorities in support of the extradition proceedings, and the ballistic report relating to the firearm and ammunition has been finalised. All relevant documentation has been furnished to the defence.

The Bedford murders

According to the extradition request, Tshuma is wanted in the UK on three counts of murder. He allegedly killed his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and their two daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), in early July at their home in Great Denham, Bedford.

Bedfordshire Police forced entry into the family’s residence on Carnoustie Drive on 6 July after concerns were raised that the family had not been seen for several days. Forensic post-mortem examinations determined that all three victims died from blunt force trauma, specifically severe head injuries.

Flight to South Africa

Authorities believe Tshuma, who is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, left the UK via Heathrow Airport on 4 July, travelling via Dubai to South Africa with a brief transit in Zimbabwe.

He entered South Africa legally through OR Tambo International Airport on 5 July.

Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on 10 July after the South African Police Service, through INTERPOL National Central Bureau Pretoria, received a request from UK authorities to trace and apprehend him following the issuing of a warrant of arrest by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

A funeral for the mother and her two daughters was held in ZImbabwe earlier this month.

The NPA said it will continue to prosecute the matters in accordance with the law and ensure that the proceedings are dealt with without unnecessary delays.

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