Johannesburg, South Africa (Running Africa) — Ndodana Tshuma, the 45-year-old suspect wanted in the United Kingdom over the alleged murders of his wife and two daughters, made his first appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday as authorities prepare for extradition proceedings.

British prosecutors have charged Tshuma with three counts of murder following the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5. The three were found dead at their home in Bedfordshire on 8 July, two days after Tshuma allegedly left the United Kingdom.

Investigators allege that Tshuma travelled from Heathrow Airport to Johannesburg via Dubai, prompting an international manhunt that ended with the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice.

South African police arrested Tshuma on Friday in Johannesburg’s Kensington suburb during a joint operation involving the South African Police Service and INTERPOL.

Although wanted in the UK on murder charges, Tshuma is currently facing a separate charge in South Africa for the alleged possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Police claim the firearm was obtained in Alexandra township and believe Tshuma intended to use it to take his own life.

The Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court postponed the matter until 22 July to verify Tshuma’s legal status in South Africa while extradition proceedings to return him to the United Kingdom are expected to begin.

Authorities are also investigating how Tshuma, a British national, allegedly acquired the firearm after arriving in South Africa.

The case has drawn international attention as South African and British authorities continue to work together through INTERPOL to facilitate the legal process surrounding the murder investigation and Tshuma’s possible extradition to face trial in the United Kingdom.