JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a man wanted by British authorities for the murders of his wife and two daughters, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to multiple firearms charges in South Africa. His arrest occurred in July while he was evading law enforcement.

During a court hearing, Tshuma admitted to several offenses, including illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. According to South African prosecutors, these guilty pleas were part of a plea bargain. Additionally, Tshuma acknowledged an immigration violation for unlawfully entering South Africa as a fugitive.

Following the conclusion of his local court proceedings, South African officials plan to extradite Tshuma back to the United Kingdom. Prosecutors in the U.K. have stated their intent to charge him with three counts of murder related to the deaths of his family members.

The tragic incident unfolded on July 6 when Tshuma’s wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their two daughters, Natalie, aged 15, and Nala, aged 5, were discovered deceased at their residence near Bedford, a town located north of London. Reports indicate that all three victims suffered from injuries to the head.

British police believe that Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma fled the United Kingdom on July 4, traveling to Zimbabwe before ultimately arriving in South Africa, just days prior to the grim discovery of the bodies.

Tshuma, identified as a British citizen of Zimbabwean descent, was apprehended in Johannesburg on July 10 while found in possession of a firearm and ammunition. This arrest was made possible after Interpol issued a notice requesting his capture. South African law enforcement officials have suggested that he may have intended to use the weapon for self-harm.

The development of this case underscores the complexities of international extradition processes, especially in matters involving serious criminal charges. Law enforcement agencies from both the U.K. and South Africa are now working closely to ensure that justice is served for the victims of this heinous crime.

For further updates and detailed coverage, visit the AP Africa news hub at https://apnews.com/hub/africa.