Triple-murder accused Tshuma wants to return to the UK, plea proceedings delayed

November 10, 2026 1

Returning to the United Kingdom remains triple murder accused, Ndodana Tshuma’s, priority as his proposed guilty plea continues to face uncertainty in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.

Tshuma’s lawyer, Chrispin Machingura, on Tuesday said this remains the defence’s mandate, despite ongoing difficulties in finalising the plea agreement.

“He wants to go back to the UK. That is first priority. Even in our negotiations, that’s my mandate. He wants to go back to the UK. It’s still our first priority.”

The defence says it needs more time to verify the facts supporting the proposed guilty plea after inconsistencies emerged during the court’s examination of the agreement.

The matter was postponed to 7 December to allow further consultations between the defence and Tshuma.

One of the outstanding issues is Tshuma’s reported inability to remember signing the plea agreement.

Machingura says the defence cannot proceed with a guilty plea under circumstances where his client cannot recall signing the document.

“If he says he does not remember, eventually the court might be forced to enter a plea of not guilty, then get into trial proper. That’s where we are.”

Machingura says the Section 105 procedure has become increasingly complicated, with the court requiring amendments to the plea documentation and further verification of the facts before it can accept the proposed plea.

He says an earlier postponement was prompted by the need to include the relevant penal provisions in the charges. Although those amendments have since been made, the defence is still verifying the facts supporting the plea.

“After the amendment has been effected, we still have to go through the process of verifying those facts to support the plea that is there, so that we can have a conviction in the end.”

The Zimbabwean-born British national is accused of murdering his wife and their two children in the United Kingdom. The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service has authorised three murder charges against him.

Tshuma has abandoned his bail application and remains in custody.

Thanks to the tireless work, tenacity, and dedication of our major crime unit, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, of Bedford, was arrested in South Africa today, just four days after an investigation was launched following a triple murder in Bedford.

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— Bedfordshire Police (@bedspolice) July 10, 2026