South African police have arrested Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark Tuma, in Johannesburg. He was arrested over the alleged murder of his wife and two daughters in the United Kingdom.
In a video posted by eNCA on their Instagram page, Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg. In fact, authorities issued an Interpol red notice for him before the arrest.
South African police said Tshuma was wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42. He was also wanted in connection with the deaths of his daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5.
The South African Police Service said the suspect was tracked and arrested within hours of the red notice being issued.
Police spokespersons commended the work of the Gauteng Organised Crime unit. They also praised SAPS Interpol and the National Central Bureau in Pretoria for the swift arrest.
“A red notice was only issued yesterday, and within a matter of hours, our multidisciplinary team has managed to track the suspect to Kensington in Johannesburg this evening, where he is being placed under arrest,” police said.
The police said the operation showed the strength of cooperation between South African authorities and international law enforcement agencies.
“The swift arrest demonstrates the capability, the professionalism, as well as the operational excellence of the South African Police Service. Moreover, it demonstrates the strength of our cooperation with international law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.
Authorities also warned fugitives that South Africa would not serve as a safe place for suspects fleeing justice.
“Let this be a stern warning to criminals across the world that South Africa is not a hideout for fugitives,” police said.
The Associated Press reported that Tshuma is wanted by UK police in connection with the deaths of his wife and two daughters. Their bodies were found at their home near Bedford, north of London.
His arrest followed a coordinated operation involving Interpol and South African authorities.
The Ndodana Tshuma arrest has drawn attention. This is because of the speed with which South African police acted after the international notice was issued.
Authorities are expected to continue working with UK officials as the case progresses.
