By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Efforts to extradite Zimbabwean Ndodana MkhanyisiTshuma to Britain over the alleged murder of his wife and two children will remain unresolved for at least another week after a Johannesburg court postponed proceedings to allow his defence more time to prepare.
The 46-year-old appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where the extradition matter was pushed to September 8.
Tshuma is wanted by British authorities in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their two children, Natalie and Nala, earlier in July.
His legal troubles in South Africa have also widened beyond the extradition proceedings. A separate case involving the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition has been postponed to September 10.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says British authorities have submitted the documentation required to support the extradition process, clearing a key procedural step towards determining whether Tshuma can be returned to the UK.
A ballistic examination of the firearm and ammunition allegedly recovered following his arrest has also been completed, with the findings made available to his defence.
Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, on July 10, five days after entering South Africa legally through OR Tambo International Airport.
South African police acted on a warrant issued in Britain and said a firearm was recovered when Tshuma was apprehended.
His immigration status has since changed. Authorities classified him as a prohibited and undesirable person following his fugitive status and say he is consequently no longer lawfully in South Africa.
