By Nigel Pfunde
JOHANNESBURG — Contrary to widespread public speculation, the family of alleged United Kingdom triple murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma did not shelter him, but instead actively assisted law enforcement to track him down and secure his arrest, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has revealed.
The disclosure was made outside the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where the 45-year-old Zimbabwe- born British citizen made his first appearance following a high-profile arrest in Kensington last Friday.
The court appearance initiated formal extradition proceedings aimed at returning him to the UK to face trial for the alleged murders of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and their two young daughters, Natalie and Nala.
Addressing journalists outside the courtroom, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe dismissed rumors that Tshuma’s relatives had been complicit in hiding him since he arrived in South Africa .
”We have seen his mother and his brother in court this morning. Yes, he has family in South Africa, but I think we must make it quite clear that his family did not harbour him,” Brigadier Mathe clarified.
“They assisted us greatly in apprehending him and played a very pivotal role together with SAPS Interpol Pretoria and our organised crime investigation teams.”
Tshuma was able to enter South Africa on July 5 via Dubai because his arrival was before the discovery of his family’s bodies by British authorities on July 6.
Because he traveled before Interpol officially circulated his name as a wanted fugitive, he passed through border control without triggering any red flags. However, SAPS investigators and Interpol Pretoria had reportedly already mobilized and were actively tracking his trail before a formal Interpol Red Notice was officially generated.
Aside from the international murder charges, Tshuma is facing a separate criminal trial in South Africa for possessing a weapon.
”On Friday during his arrest, he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. According to our investigation, after landing in South Africa on 5 July, he went to one of the townships where he bought this firearm,” Brigadier Mathe said.
According to Mathe, an investigation has been launched to identify the illicit network that sold him the weapon. SAPS investigators strongly believe that Tshuma intended to use the newly acquired gun on himself.
”It is our suspicion that this particular firearm was going to be used to end his life. It is commendable that our teams worked quickly to arrest him before that process could unfold so that he can answer to the crimes he allegedly committed in the UK,” Mathe said.
South African authorities are currently acting on a provisional extradition request dispatched by Interpol Manchester through Interpol Pretoria, which includes the active UK arrest warrant.
”We are awaiting the full extradition request, which will include the full UK case docket with supporting evidence,” Brigadier Mathe added.
Reaffirming South Africa’s determination to cooperate with global law enforcement agencies, the SAPS spokesperson emphasized that the swift coordination between the suspect’s family and the police sent a clear message to international criminals trying to run from the law.
”South Africa is not a safe haven for criminals. It also speaks to the operational excellence, professionalism and expertise of SAPS teams who work tirelessly to arrest wanted fugitives,” Mathe said.
Tshuma remains in custody in South Africa as the judiciary awaits the arrival of the comprehensive extradition documents from the United Kingdom.
