South African police say Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark Tshuma, allegedly bought an illegal firearm after arriving in the country and suspect he intended to use it to take his own life.
The 45-year-old Zimbabwean-born British national appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday following his arrest in Kensington last week during a joint operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Interpol.
His appearance comes as British authorities seek his extradition to face three counts of murder over the deaths of his wife and two daughters in Bedfordshire.
During the hearing, prosecutors asked for the matter to be postponed until 22 July to allow authorities to verify Tshuma’s immigration status and continue extradition proceedings.
For now, Tshuma faces a South African charge of illegal possession of a firearm, an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years for a first-time offender.
South African police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators believe Tshuma obtained a 9mm pistol shortly after arriving in the country.
“According to our investigation, after landing in South Africa on July 5, he then went to one of the townships and bought this particular unlicensed firearm,” Mathe told reporters.
“It is our suspicion that this firearm was going to be used to end his life.”
Police have launched a separate investigation to establish who sold him the weapon.
Mathe also confirmed that South Africa had received a provisional extradition request from Interpol Manchester through Interpol Pretoria.
“We will be awaiting a full extradition request within 40 days, which will include the case docket as well as supporting evidence. However, we can confirm that, for now, we do have the warrant of arrest from UK authorities,” she said.
She added that Tshuma’s relatives had assisted investigators during the search for him.
“His family did not harbour him. They played a very pivotal role,” Mathe said.
British prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against Tshuma following the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five.
The three were discovered dead at the family’s home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on 6 July, after police forced entry following concerns for their welfare.
A forensic post-mortem examination has since determined that all three victims died from blunt force trauma.
Investigators say Tshuma left the United Kingdom before the bodies were discovered, travelling from Heathrow Airport to Johannesburg via Dubai. Police believe he briefly travelled to Zimbabwe before returning to South Africa.
During Monday’s hearing, Tshuma confirmed his identity and indicated he would address the court in English.
His mother and sister were present in the public gallery, and he waved to them as he was escorted back to the holding cells after proceedings concluded.
In a statement released through Bedfordshire Police, relatives described the deaths as an unimaginable tragedy.
“The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile (Nothabo) Khumalo and her two children.
“During this time of unimaginable loss, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort and support. Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”
Detective Inspector Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, urged restraint as legal proceedings continue.
“This case has attracted a huge amount of media coverage and we are aware of international reports circulating which contain some speculation about this case.
“With three murder charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, proceedings around this case remain active and we are not able to provide any further detail at this stage.”
Tshuma remains in custody pending his next court appearance on 22 July.
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