JOHANNESBURG - United Kingdom authorities have confirmed that blunt force trauma was the cause of death of the three victims in the Bedfordshire triple murder case.
British-Zimbabwean national Ndodana Tshuma was arrested in South Africa on Friday in connection with the murders.
READ: UK murder suspect Ndodana Tshuma to face SA firearm trial before extradition
He is accused of murdering his wife and two daughters before fleeing the UK via Heathrow Airport using his British passport.
Tshuma made a brief appearance in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court on Monday. The matter was postponed to 22 July to allow him to consult with legal representation and for authorities to verify his immigration status.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that Tshuma was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Mathe said he will first stand trial on the firearm charge before extradition proceedings to the UK can begin.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has warned that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives from justice.
READ: Kubayi: SA is not a safe haven for fugitives from justice
Kubayi reiterated that she will not hesitate to sign the necessary documents to allow Tshuma to return to the UK to answer for the charges against him.