By a Correspondent
Triple-murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma’s case in South Africa has been postponed to 10 November for the continuation of proceedings relating to a plea and sentence agreement.
Tshuma, 45, appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 29 October, where the State was expected to finalise a plea and sentence agreement in terms of Section 105A of South Africa’s Criminal Procedure Act.
However, proceedings were rolled over to next month, with the defence not proceeding with a previously indicated request for a medical evaluation of the accused.
Tshuma is facing charges of contravening the Immigration Act and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition following his arrest in Kensington, Johannesburg, on 10 July.
He entered South Africa on 4 July after fleeing the United Kingdom, where he is wanted by Bedfordshire Police in connection with the alleged murders of his wife and their two daughters.
At his previous court appearance on 21 October, Tshuma’s lawyer, Chrispin Machingura, told the court that his client said he could not recall signing the plea and sentence agreement, which had been negotiated over several weeks.
Machingura indicated that Tshuma had complained of difficulty sleeping and was unable to provide clear instructions to his legal team. The lawyer said he intended to bring an application for his client to undergo a medical evaluation.
However, the proposed application was not placed before the court during Thursday’s proceedings.
The defence did not proceed with the referral request, and the matter was subsequently postponed to 10 November for the continuation of proceedings under Section 105A.
The provision allows for plea and sentence agreements between the prosecution and an accused person, subject to the court’s consideration and approval in accordance with the law.
Tshuma, also known as Mark, is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage. He is wanted in the UK in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, who were murdered at their home in Bedfordshire in July.
He is also the subject of extradition proceedings following a request from the UK Crown Prosecution Service.
The extradition process remains on hold pending the finalisation of the charges he faces in South Africa.
Tshuma remains in custody as the South African proceedings continue.
