WATCH: “South Africa will trace, find and arrest fugitives’ – SAPS on the arrest of Ndodana Tshuma

SOUTH African police say the arrest of wanted fugitive Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma within hours of Interpol issuing a Red Notice demonstrates the country’s resolve to deny criminals a safe haven.

In a video statement broadcast by SABC News on Friday night, South African Police Service (SAPS) national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Tshuma’s arrest in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday evening underscored the strength of cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts.

Tshuma, 45, is wanted by British authorities in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and their daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), whose bodies were discovered at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, in the United Kingdom.

Brig Mathe said an Interpol Red Notice had only been issued on Thursday, but a multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Organised Crime Unit, SAPS Interpol and the National Central Bureau in Pretoria tracked Tshuma down within hours.
“A Red Notice was only issued yesterday and within a matter of hours our multidisciplinary team managed to track the suspect to Kensington in Johannesburg this evening, where he was placed under arrest,” she said.

She said the operation reflected the professionalism and operational capability of the South African Police Service.

“The swift arrest demonstrates the capability, professionalism and operational excellence of the South African Police Service and the strength of our cooperation with international law enforcement agencies,” she said.

Brig Mathe used the arrest to issue a stern warning to international fugitives seeking refuge in South Africa.

“South Africa is not a hideout for fugitives. If you commit serious crimes anywhere in the world and think you can evade justice by fleeing to South Africa, you are mistaken. We will trace you, we will find you and we will arrest you.”

She also warned that anyone found assisting or harbouring wanted fugitives could face the full force of the law.

Brig Mathe said SAPS had already informed British authorities of Tshuma’s arrest and that the National Central Bureau for Interpol was coordinating with the United Kingdom as legal and extradition processes begin.

She revealed that South African immigration records showed Tshuma entered the country on July 5, two days after British authorities were alerted to the deaths.

Brig Mathe expressed condolences to the family of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala, saying she hoped the arrest would bring them “one step closer to justice.”