Keypoints:
- Suspect detained near Johannesburg
- He left Britain on a British passport
- UK prosecutors authorise three murder charges
SOUTH African police have arrested a Zimbabwean-origin British citizen wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife and two daughters in England.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was detained in a Johannesburg suburb on Friday, July 10, after authorities acted on an Interpol Red Notice, according to Reuters.
He is expected to appear before a South African court on Monday as legal and extradition procedures involving UK authorities begin.
The arrest represents a major development in an international investigation launched after three bodies were found at the family’s home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire. Tshuma has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain to be determined by a court.
Three murder charges authorised
The UK Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised Bedfordshire Police to charge Tshuma with three counts of murder after reviewing evidence submitted by investigators.
The victims were identified as his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and their daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five.
Their bodies were discovered at the family’s Great Denham home on Tuesday, July 7.
The CPS stressed that its decision to authorise charges did not amount to a finding of guilt or criminal conduct. It also warned against publishing material that could prejudice Tshuma’s right to a fair trial.
Tshuma remains in South African custody while the legal process continues.
British passport used to leave UK
Bedfordshire Police described Tshuma as a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage.
Investigators said he left the UK through Heathrow Airport on Saturday, July 4, travelling on a British passport.
Police initially believed he had travelled to Zimbabwe and began working with British and international law-enforcement agencies to establish his whereabouts.
Officers later released a surveillance image and appealed to the public for information that could help locate him.
The force said detectives from its regional major crime unit were conducting what it described as a complex and fast-moving investigation.
Arrest follows Interpol notice
South African police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said officers had successfully traced and arrested Tshuma in a Johannesburg suburb.
She said he would be processed under South African law while the necessary legal and extradition procedures were undertaken with UK authorities.
‘South Africa is not a hideout for fugitives,’ Mathe said, according to Reuters.
An Interpol Red Notice asks law-enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or another lawful process.
It is not an international arrest warrant, and decisions on detention are governed by the domestic laws of the country in which the person is located.
Extradition process ahead
Tshuma’s expected court appearance will begin the South African phase of the case.
South African authorities will have to follow local legal procedures before he can be extradited to Britain.
The CPS said it would continue working with Bedfordshire Police and international partners as the case progresses.
Until the extradition process is concluded, Tshuma will remain subject to South African law.
Should he be returned to Britain, he would face the authorised murder charges through the UK criminal justice system and would be entitled to challenge the prosecution’s case.
British prosecutors said their thoughts remained with Zandile, Natalie and Nala’s relatives, friends and everyone affected by their deaths.
