Man accused of triple murder in the UK admits gun charges in South Africa

What the report says

A man accused of killing his wife and two young daughters in England has admitted separate firearm and ammunition charges in South Africa, according to BBC Africa. Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark Tshuma, appeared before magistrates in Johannesburg after being arrested there following his departure from the UK.

BBC reported that Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead with head injuries at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on 7 July. South African police said Tshuma was found with a gun and ammunition he had bought in South Africa. The Crown Prosecution Service in England has authorised three murder charges against him, and an extradition hearing is scheduled in South Africa.

The report says a relative overseas alerted authorities in England after not hearing from the family for several days. Bedfordshire Police later attended the home and found the bodies. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is also reviewing Bedfordshire Police’s earlier contact with the family before the deaths. In general, extradition proceedings can take time and involve separate court processes in the country where a suspect is held, but BBC Africa’s report focuses on the Johannesburg hearing and the UK murder case.