JOHANNESBURG – A 46-year-old alleged United Kingdom fugitive, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, accused of murdering his family in Britain, appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 July following his arrest in Kensington, Johannesburg, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed.

Tshuma (45), now identified as a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday 10 July after the police, through Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria, received a request from the United Kingdom authorities to assist in tracing and apprehending him.

Warrant for arrest

The request followed the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in the United Kingdom.

National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said Tshuma was wanted by authorities in the UK following the discovery of the gruesome murder of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and their two daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5).

She said that, according to information received, their bodies were found at the couple’s house in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on Monday 6 July.

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It is alleged that between Thursday 2 July and Wednesday 8 July, in Bedford, Bedfordshire, he murdered his wife and their two children.

It was reported that Tshuma fled to South Africa following the alleged murder of his wife and their two daughters in the UK.

He faces three counts of murder.

According to media reports, Tshuma was pictured at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, fleeing to Zimbabwe two days before his wife and daughters were found dead – finding his way in South Africa. The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service has authorized three counts of murder against him.

Preliminary investigations established that Tshuma entered South Africa through OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday 5 July. Acting on intelligence regarding his whereabouts, members of Interpol NCB Pretoria and the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit traced and arrested him in Kensington on Friday 10 July.

During the arrest, police allegedly found Tshuma in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He subsequently appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The accused also appeared before the same court in relation to extradition proceedings instituted following the request by the United Kingdom authorities.

The State requested a postponement to allow for further investigations and to facilitate the extradition process.

Both the firearms matter and the extradition proceedings have been postponed to Wednesday 22 July for verification of his legality in South Africa.

The NPA will continue to work closely with domestic and international law enforcement agencies to ensure that all legal processes are followed and that justice is served, said NPA Communications Officer of the
Gauteng Division Magaboke Mohlatlole.

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