UK triple-murder fugitive pleads guilty to South Africa gun crime
Tshuma set to be flown to the UK in less than 7 days to face murder
By Staff Reporter
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, accused of killing his wife and two daughters in a July triple-murder horror in the UK, has pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
Tshuma pleaded guilty to all counts regarding an unlicensed 9mm handgun and ammunition before a Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The 45-year-old also admitted to violating South Africa’s immigration laws by living in that country, when he was a wanted fugitive in the UK.
He was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg on July 10 this year after allegedly killing his wife Zandile Nothabo Khumalo (42) and the couple’s daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5).
This was after news of the grisly murder had broken in the UK with appeals made for his arrest.
Tshuma allegedly decimated his family on July 3 and fled the UK the following day headed for South Africa where he landed on July 5 after flying via the Dubai airport.
The bodies of his wife and daughters were discovered on July 6.
They were later repatriated to Zimbabwe where they were buried on August 4 at Luveve Cemetery, Bulawayo.
Tshuma is also facing extradition proceedings following a request from the UK for the three murders.
He is set to pay a fine for all the charges he faces in South Africa.
The extradition agreement has also been signed and he will be leaving South Africa for the United Kingdom in less than 7 days.
The matter will now be taken over by the UK justice system.
Defence lawyer Crispen Machingura said Tshuma took a plea deal to speed up his extradition to UK.
“He pleaded guilty because we want a quicker resolution to this matter. He wants this matter to end because he wants to go back to the UK,” Machingura said.
