Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Khumalo family has appealed to South African authorities to expedite outstanding legal proceedings that must be completed before Ndodana Tshuma can be extradited to the United Kingdom over the deaths of Nothabo Tshuma and her two daughters, Natalie and Nala.
The appeal comes 126 days after the three died, with the family expressing concern over continued delays as it waits for the legal processes paving the way for Tshuma’s extradition to be concluded.
In a statement, the family acknowledged that Tshuma was facing separate proceedings in South Africa relating to firearm possession and immigration offences, but said these should be handled with urgency to avoid unnecessarily prolonging the extradition process.
“We do not ask for shortcuts in justice. We ask that justice is not unnecessarily delayed,” said the family.
The appeal follows Tshuma’s latest court appearance in South Africa, where his case was postponed to December 7 amid a dispute over a plea agreement he reportedly does not recall signing.
The family said it understood the complexities of legal proceedings involving different jurisdictions and respected the need for due process, but stressed that the prolonged wait was taking an emotional toll on relatives of the victims.
“We recognise that legal processes must take their course. We respect the law and the importance of due process. But behind these proceedings are real people whose lives have been permanently shattered,” the family said.
It said every court appearance and postponement reopened wounds for relatives who were still struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
“Behind every court date is a family reliving the events that changed their lives forever. Behind every postponement is another night of unanswered questions,” said the Khumalos.
The family expressed appreciation to South African authorities, investigators and prosecutors involved in the matter and urged them to ensure that the remaining legal processes are completed without avoidable delays.
It also paid tribute to the three victims, describing Nothabo as a professional trailblazer who had worked hard to build a life characterised by ambition and purpose.
Her daughters, Natalie and Nala, were described as young girls whose lives were full of promise and who had been denied the opportunity to grow up, pursue their dreams and make their own contributions to society.
The family said their deaths had strengthened its resolve to speak out against violence targeting women and girls.
“Femicide is wrong. The killing of women and girls is an affront to humanity and a violation of God’s principles,” it said.
The family said it would not allow the three victims to be remembered merely as statistics, but would continue advocating for accountability and an end to violence against women and girls.
While acknowledging that no court outcome could restore the lives lost or the milestones the family would never get to share with the victims, it said accountability remained essential.
“We seek justice, not vengeance. We seek accountability, not shortcuts. We seek answers, because three precious lives deserve nothing less,” the family said.
