BREAKING: Alleged UK fugitive Ndodana Tshuma’s case postponed to July 22

THE case involving alleged UK triple murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma facing a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm has been postponed to July 22 pending the verification of his legal status.

According to South African media reports, Tshuma made a brief appearance before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning. The State successfully applied for the postponement of the matter to allow authorities to verify his legal status in South Africa.

According to a Newzroom Afrika report, Tshuma confirmed his full name and indicated that he would communicate in English.

He was informed of the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, with the magistrate advising him that a conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Tshuma reportedly appeared visibly fatigued, with bloodshot eyes during the brief court proceedings.

The firearm case is separate from the extradition proceedings that British authorities are expected to institute as they seek to have Tshuma returned to the United Kingdom to face murder charges linked to the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42) and their daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5).

Following the postponement of the firearm matter, Tshuma was expected to appear in another court for the extradition proceedings.

Members of Tshuma’s family attended the proceedings but declined to speak to the media, saying they would not comment while the matter is still before the courts.

Tshuma was arrested in South Africa on Friday during a joint operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Interpol, the National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Unit after allegedly fleeing the United Kingdom shortly before the bodies of his wife and daughters were discovered.