Tshuma's Family Helped Police Track Him Down, SAPS Tells Court

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

JOHANNESBURG – South African police have dismissed speculation that the family of alleged UK triple murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma helped him evade arrest, revealing instead that his relatives assisted investigators in locating and apprehending him.

The disclosure was made on Monday, 13 July 2026, when Tshuma appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court following his arrest in Sandton on Friday. South African authorities have begun extradition proceedings to return the 45-year-old British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage to the United Kingdom. Tshuma is wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their daughters, Natalie and Nala, whose bodies were discovered in the United Kingdom.

Speaking outside court, South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Tshuma's family had cooperated fully with investigators.

"We have seen his mother and his brother in court this morning. Yes, he has family in South Africa, but I think we must make it quite clear that his family did not harbour him," Mathe said.

She added that the family had worked closely with law enforcement agencies during the investigation.

"They assisted us greatly in apprehending him and played a very pivotal role together with SAPS Interpol Pretoria and our organised crime investigation teams."

Mathe confirmed that South Africa had received a provisional extradition request from Interpol Manchester through Interpol Pretoria. Authorities are awaiting the formal extradition request, which will include the complete UK case docket and supporting evidence.

In addition to the extradition proceedings, Tshuma is facing a separate criminal case in South Africa after police allegedly found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm during his arrest.

According to Mathe, investigators believe Tshuma purchased the firearm shortly after arriving in South Africa.

"On Friday during his arrest, he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. According to our investigation, after landing in South Africa on 5 July, he went to one of the townships where he bought this firearm."

Police have launched investigations to identify the individual who allegedly sold him the weapon.

Mathe said investigators suspect the firearm may have been intended for suicide before police intervened.

"It is our suspicion that this particular firearm was going to be used to end his life. It is commendable that our teams worked quickly to arrest him before that process could unfold so that he can answer to the crimes he allegedly committed in the UK."

SAPS explained that Tshuma entered South Africa on 5 July, before UK authorities discovered the victims' bodies on 6 July and before an Interpol Red Notice had been issued.

Mathe said South African investigators had already begun tracking leads before the international alert was circulated.

"South Africa is not a safe haven for criminals. It also speaks to the operational excellence, professionalism and expertise of SAPS teams who work tirelessly to arrest wanted fugitives."

Tshuma remains in custody as South African courts consider the UK's extradition request. He is also expected to face separate proceedings relating to the alleged illegal possession of a firearm. Under both South African and UK law, Tshuma is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma