Ndodana Tshuma Says He Cannot Remember Pleading Guilty As South African Court Postpones Case
Zimbabwean-born British national Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who is accused of murdering his wife and two daughters in the United Kingdom, says he does not remember pleading guilty to criminal charges he faces in South Africa.
Tshuma made the remarks when he appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where his case was postponed to October 29 to allow him to consult further with his legal representative.
His position has cast uncertainty over a proposed plea and sentencing agreement in the South African case, which relates to separate firearm and immigration offences.
Also Read: Ndodana Tshuma Pleads Guilty To Four Charges Ahead Of UK Extradition Battle
Tshuma Disputes Guilty Plea
According to SABC News, during the court proceedings, Tshuma told the court that he could not recall entering a guilty plea and maintained that he was innocent.
His lawyer, Chrispen Machingura, reportedly showed him a document he had signed, but Tshuma said he could not remember signing it.
The development prompted the defence to seek more time to consult with him before deciding how to proceed.
The case had previously been postponed to allow the state and defence to finalise a plea and sentencing agreement after issues involving documentation and discrepancies arose.
Medical Assessment Raises Further Questions
The dispute over Tshuma’s recollection of the plea has also raised the possibility of a medical assessment.
According to reports, Machingura expressed concern about difficulties communicating with his client and indicated that the defence intended to prepare an application for a medical assessment.
However, the state opposed the proposed assessment, arguing that there was insufficient evidence before the court to justify it.
The court proceedings will therefore determine how the disputed plea and the outstanding issues surrounding the agreement are handled.
Tshuma is facing four charges in South Africa, including possession of a prohibited firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and contravening the Immigration Act.
Separate Extradition Case Involves Alleged Family Murders
The South African proceedings are separate from the case Tshuma faces in the United Kingdom, where he is wanted over the alleged murders of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their two daughters, Natalie and Nala.
The three were allegedly killed in Bedfordshire in July, and Tshuma remains in custody in South Africa as authorities pursue extradition proceedings.
His South African case is scheduled to return to the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on October 29 for further consultations with his legal representative.
The outcome of the disputed guilty plea could affect the progress of the proceedings relating to the charges he faces in South Africa.
The post Ndodana Tshuma’s Guilty Plea In South Africa In Doubt After He Tells Court He Cannot Remember It appeared first on iHarare News.
