Online Reporter
NDODANA Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who is suspected of murdering his wife and two daughters in England, is set to make his second court appearance in Johannesburg today.
His first court appearance was last week, days after his arrest in Johannesburg, and he faced a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Ndodana, 45, who is also known as Mark, had visibly red eyes when he appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court last Monday.
A large media contingent packed the courtroom as Ndodana, dressed in a bomber jacket with his hands in his pockets, remained expressionless throughout the proceedings.
A similar frenzied media pack is expected today when he makes his second court appearance.
UK authorities are seeking Ndodana’s extradition in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5.
The three were found dead at the family’s home in Great Denham, near Bedford, after police forced entry following concerns that they had not been seen for several days.
South African State prosecutor, Henry Mbobo, asked for the matter to be postponed until today in order to allow authorities to verify Ndodana’s immigration status in South Africa.
“Your Honour, I request that this matter be postponed until 22 July to enable the court to verify the accused’s legal status in the Republic,” Mbobo said.
He also told the court Ndodana was found in possession of a 9mm firearm when he was arrested.
Defence lawyer, Chrispin Machingura, said the defence did not oppose the postponement.
“We have discussed the matter with the State and are in agreement that it be postponed until 22 July,” Machingura said.
“We are engaging with the State. We will assess the position (to apply for bail) by 22 July and see what progress has been made,” he said.
“Naturally, we do not want him to remain in custody without any progress. We will wait to see what developments have been made by 22 July and take it from there.”
The presiding officer, who requested not to be identified by the media, granted the postponement and ordered that Ndodana remain in custody while his legal status is verified.
She said he would be able to apply for bail if he qualifies once the verification process is complete.
Earlier, South African Police Services national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed Ndodana would appear on two separate matters: an extradition application requested by the United Kingdom and a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
She said South Africa had received a provisional extradition request from Interpol Manchester through Interpol Pretoria and was awaiting a full extradition request, including the UK case docket and supporting evidence, within 40 days.
Mathe said police had also launched a separate investigation into who sold Ndodana the unlicensed firearm allegedly found in his possession.
She added that investigators had found no evidence that Ndodana had been harboured while in South Africa. – H-Metro Reporter/IOL
