Murder suspect pleads guilty in South Africa

A man wanted by British police over the killings of his wife and two daughters has pleaded guilty to firearms and immigration offences in South Africa, where he was arrested while on the run.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma pleaded guilty on Tuesday to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as part of a plea agreement with South African prosecutors. He also admitted entering South Africa while wanted as a fugitive.

South African authorities said they would seek to extradite Tshuma to the United Kingdom after his local case is concluded. British prosecutors are expected to charge him with three counts of murder.

Tshuma’s wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found dead at their home near Bedford, north of London, on July 6. British police said all three had suffered head injuries.

Police believe Tshuma left the United Kingdom on July 4, travelling first to Zimbabwe before entering South Africa. He was arrested in Johannesburg on July 10 after Interpol issued a notice seeking his apprehension.

South African police said Tshuma was found carrying a firearm and ammunition. Authorities have previously said they suspected he may have intended to use the firearm to take his own life.

The firearms case must be concluded before South African authorities can proceed with his extradition to Britain, where he is expected to face the murder allegations.

Tshuma has not yet been charged with the three murders in the United Kingdom.

SOURCE: AP