By Fanuel Viriri
Two elderly women believed to be close relatives of Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma broke down in tears and refused to speak to media outside the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court today, as the 45-year-old made his first court appearance.
Tshuma, who also goes by the name Mark, is a Zimbabwean-born British citizen facing charges in two countries.
He was remanded in custody and is due back in court on 22 July 2026
South African prosecutors charged him with illegal possession of a firearm after his arrest in Kensington, Johannesburg on Friday. He was found staying with some people believed to be his relatives. Authorities say he bought an unlicensed 9mm handgun shortly after arriving in the country on 5 July.
The court must first deal with the South African charge before considering an extradition request from the UK.
UK authorities want Tshuma on three counts of murder following the deaths of his wife and two daughters at their £1.3 million home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found on 6 July. A forensic post-mortem determined all three died from blunt force trauma.
Bedfordshire Police say Tshuma left the UK via Heathrow on 4 July, flew to Dubai and then to Johannesburg. He was arrested on Friday by the Hawks and Interpol following a provisional extradition request from the UK.
Court papers and police statements allege the couple were in the process of separating. Friends told UK media that Tshuma was distressed about the divorce.
Tshuma worked as Head of Development at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Nothabo Tshuma worked in cyber security.
