By a Correspondent
Proceedings in the South African cases involving UK triple-murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma have stalled after his lawyer raised concerns about his client’s mental fitness to participate in the proceedings, prompting a postponement to October 29 for a formal evaluation.
Tshuma, 45, appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where his lawyer, Chrispin Machingura, told the court that he was uncomfortable proceeding after his client appeared to have forgotten that he had previously pleaded guilty to firearm and immigration offences.
Machingura also raised concerns about Tshuma’s physical and mental well-being, telling the court that his client had not been “eating and sleeping well” and needed to be examined by a specialist.
The defence requested a formal assessment to establish whether Tshuma was fit to participate in the proceedings, with the lawyer also seeking a sobriety and medical evaluation.
The court postponed the matter to October 29, when the outcome of the assessment is expected to help determine how the case should proceed.
Tshuma appeared dishevelled, shaky and teary-eyed during Wednesday’s proceedings, a marked contrast to his previous image as a successful information technology specialist.
The latest development has thrown the proceedings into uncertainty, as Tshuma had previously pleaded guilty to charges relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as entering South Africa illegally.
The pleas were part of proceedings intended to resolve the local charges before South African authorities consider his extradition to the United Kingdom, where he is wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife and two daughters.
The Zimbabwean-born British national, also known as Mark, is accused of murdering his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five.
The three were found dead at their family home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on July 6 and 7, with reports indicating that they had sustained blunt-force head injuries.
British police say Tshuma left the United Kingdom on July 4, two days before the bodies were discovered, triggering an international manhunt.
He was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on July 10 after Interpol issued a Red Notice following a warrant from Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
At the time of his arrest, South African police found him in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and ammunition. He told investigators that he had acquired the weapon in Alexandra and intended to take his own life.
The South African proceedings relate to the firearm and immigration offences, while British authorities are seeking Tshuma’s return to face three counts of murder.
The extradition process is expected to proceed once the outstanding legal issues in South Africa have been resolved.
