UK fugitive Ndodana Tshuma says he does not remember signing plea, sentence agreement

A United Kingdom (UK) fugitive wanted in connection with the murder of his wife and two daughters has told the Johannesburg Magistrates Court that he simply does not remember signing a plea and sentence agreement.

Ndodana Tshuma returned to court on Tuesday, with the dispute over the agreement adding another hurdle to his extradition to the United Kingdom.

The 45-year-old pleaded guilty in September to possessing an unlicensed firearm allegedly intended for him to take his own life, and contravening the Immigration Act.

But he now said he has no recollection of signing the documents that would have led to his conviction and sentencing on those charges.

His lawyer, Chrispen Machingura, told journalists the matter cannot proceed until this dispute is resolved.

“As an attorney, you wouldn’t want your client to get into court and testify about something that he does not remember. That’s the last thing that you want. So we haven’t moved swiftly from the, I should say, openly, that’s the sticking point. He doesn’t, and further to that, we have amended the plea quite a number of times.”