Man accused of murdering wife and two daughters appears in South African court
A man suspected of the murders of his wife and daughters in the UK has appeared in court on firearms charges, three days after being arrested in South Africa.
Officers detained Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, in Johannesburg on Friday and shortly afterwards the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had authorised murder charges against him.
The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered when police forced entry to a home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on 6 July.
He appeared at the city’s court on Monday, where he faced charges of possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
An extradition hearing will be held before he can be returned to the UK to be formally charged with three counts of murder.
Tshuma spoke only to confirm his name and preferred language before the case was adjourned until 22 July.
Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for South African police said a provisional extradition request had been received from the UK.
She said: "We can confirm that South Africa has received a provisional extradition request from Interpol Manchester through to 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."
The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered when police forced entry to a home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday.
Concerns had been raised that the family had not been seen for several days.
The deaths of Mrs Tshuma and her two daughters were revealed on Tuesday, the day after they were found at a £1.3m house in Carnoustie Drive.
Their family later released a statement thanking the local community for support which they said had brought "great strength".
“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," it read.
Head of Investigations
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