By Palesa Matlala
• South African police arrested Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma in Johannesburg during a joint operation with Interpol after he fled the United Kingdom.
• Tshuma is expected to appear in court on Monday as South Africa begins extradition proceedings to send him back to the United Kingdom.
An international manhunt ended in Johannesburg on Friday when South African police arrested a man wanted in the United Kingdom over the deaths of his wife and two young daughters.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was arrested at a property in Kensington during a joint operation involving the South African Police Service, Interpol, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
British authorities want Tshuma in connection with the deaths of his wife, 42 year old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their daughters, 15 year old Natalie and five year old Nala.
The three were found dead at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, after police forced their way into the house when the family had not been seen for several days.
Investigators believe Tshuma left the United Kingdom before the bodies were discovered.
Police released airport CCTV images showing him leaving through Heathrow Airport before travelling to southern Africa on a British passport.
South African police later confirmed that he entered the country on 5 July.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators acted quickly after receiving information about Tshuma’s whereabouts.
Officers placed the property under surveillance while they worked with Interpol to complete the legal requirements for the arrest.
They only moved in after confirming Tshuma was inside.
Police said Tshuma was already the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.
A Red Notice is an international alert asking police around the world to locate and provisionally arrest a wanted person while extradition arrangements are made.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the officers involved in the operation.
“This arrest demonstrates that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives,” she said.
“Anyone who believes they can evade justice by fleeing to our country should know that the South African Police Service will work tirelessly with international law enforcement partners to trace, locate and arrest them.”
Bedfordshire Police Detective Inspector Lee Martin also praised the cooperation between investigators in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as everyone affected by this tragedy,” he said.
According to reports in the United Kingdom, Tshuma owned a property company called Nexus Trove Holdings.
Company records reportedly show the business held assets worth more than £1 million, or about R24 million, at the end of 2024.
Tshuma is expected to appear in court on Monday.
The hearing is expected to begin the legal process that could see him extradited to the United Kingdom to face criminal proceedings.
South African police say they will continue working closely with British authorities as the extradition process moves forward.
Pictured above: Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma was arrested in Johannesburg after an international operation involving the South African Police Service and Interpol.
Image source: South African Police Service
