Family 'disappointed' by triple murder court delay

The family of a woman and two girls found dead at their home have said they are "disappointed" after court proceedings were delayed.

Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in Great Denham, near Bedford, on 6 July.

Her husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, is in custody in Johannesburg, South Africa, after he was arrested on separate firearms charges. UK authorities have authorised three murder charges against him.

On Thursday, hearings over the firearms charge and his potential extradition were due to take place, but were postponed after his defence requested more time.

In a statement the family said any postponement was "difficult" because it prolonged their wait for answers.

They said: "The Khumalo and Magonya families, while disappointed at the further postponement, place their trust in the full administration of justice.

"As another school year approaches in England, our thoughts are particularly with the lives and futures that Nothabo, Natalie and Nala should have been living."

Ndodana was arrested on an unlicensed firearms charge in Johannesburg on 10 July, and later appeared in court accused of illegally possessing firearms.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised three murder charges against the 45-year-old who is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage.

South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said the state has received all the required documentation from UK authorities in support of the extradition proceedings.

The extradition proceedings have been postponed until 10 September, while those related to the firearms charge are due to take place on 8 September.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.