Man wanted in UK over murder of wife and two children appears in South African court - as cause of death revealed

A man suspected of murdering his wife and two children in the UK has appeared in court in South Africa, as their causes of death have been revealed.

Police believe Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma bought a weapon in a township, where he was arrested by South African officers.

The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala were found in a house in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on 6 July.

Today, after the court appearance and following a post-mortem examination, their cause of death was listed as "blunt force trauma".

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who also goes by the name Mark, appeared in front of a magistrate in Johannesburg on the charge of possessing an illegal firearm.

As he stood in the dock, the 45-year-old looked "incredibly distressed" and "his eyes were bloodshot", Sky News' Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir said.

She added that he was there in front of his family, who said they would not be giving a statement to the media.

Tshuma has been charged in South Africa with illegal possession of a firearm, which carries a potential 15-year prison sentence for first-time offenders.

The court will also consider whether he should be extradited to the UK.

Britain and South Africa have an extradition treaty, although suspects arrested in South Africa must still appear before local courts before they can be sent to another country.

He was remanded in custody on 12 July while authorities establish whether he is in South Africa illegally. Following his court appearance, he remains in custody.

Tshuma was arrested in South Africa with support from Interpol last week.

"According to our investigation, after landing in South Africa on July 5, he then went to ⁠one of the townships and he bought this ​particular unlicensed firearm," South African police spokesperson ​Athlenda Mathe said.

She confirmed South Africa had received a provisional extradition request from the UK but was waiting for a full document.

Tshuma has family in South Africa who helped police apprehend him, Ms Mathe said, adding: "His family did ​not harbour him. They played a very pivotal role."

Tshuma left the UK two days before the bodies were discovered, according to Bedfordshire Police.

He is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, according to the force. The arrest came shortly after the Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised charges against him.

A relative spoke of the family's "unimaginable loss" in a statement issued by police following their deaths.

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They said: "The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile [Nothabo] Khumalo and her two children.

"During this time of unimaginable loss, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort, and support.

"Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family."

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, senior investigating officer in the UK, said: "This case has attracted a huge amount of media coverage and we aware of international reports circulating which contain some speculation about this case

"With three murder charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, proceedings around this case remain active and we are not able to provide any further detail at this stage.

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