Zimbabwean authorities are trying to determine whether a man wanted in the United Kingdom on three murder charges briefly entered the country before being arrested in South Africa.
The investigation follows statements from British police claiming that Zimbabwe-born Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma travelled through Zimbabwe after leaving the UK, before returning to South Africa, where he was taken into custody in Johannesburg on Friday.
International Manhunt Ends With Arrest in Johannesburg
The arrest marked the end of a multinational search involving law enforcement agencies from the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe and South Africa, supported by Interpol.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed it worked alongside international partners throughout the operation, which ultimately led investigators to Tshuma’s location in Johannesburg.
British authorities are seeking his extradition to face three murder charges in the UK.
British Investigators Outline Suspect’s Alleged Route
According to Bedfordshire Police, Tshuma departed the United Kingdom last Saturday and flew to Johannesburg via Dubai before allegedly crossing into Zimbabwe and later returning to South Africa.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who is leading the investigation, praised the cooperation between multiple agencies, including the UK’s National Crime Agency, Interpol, and police in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He also credited information supplied by members of the public and media coverage across the three countries, saying it played an important role in helping officers track down the suspect.
Zimbabwe Says Border Claims Have Yet to Be Verified
Despite the timeline presented by British investigators, Zimbabwean police say they have not confirmed that Tshuma actually entered the country.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained that authorities have found no evidence showing the suspect arrived in Zimbabwe by air, prompting investigators to examine whether he may have crossed the border by road.
According to Nyathi, tracing road travel is significantly more difficult than verifying airline passengers because flight manifests provide reliable records, while bus and land-border movements can be much harder to confirm.
He said that without supporting evidence, claims regarding the suspect’s movements remain under investigation.
Interpol Red Notice Triggered Zimbabwe’s Involvement
Zimbabwe’s participation in the case was prompted by an Interpol Red Notice issued after British prosecutors approved murder charges against Tshuma.
Nyathi said Zimbabwe, as an Interpol member country, was required to cooperate with international requests and remained in regular contact with both UK investigators and Interpol throughout the search.
While declining to discuss operational details, he confirmed that authorities exchanged information continuously as the investigation unfolded.
Police Also Contacted the Suspect’s Family
As part of the investigation, Zimbabwean officers interviewed members of Tshuma’s family in Bulawayo, along with relatives from his late wife’s family.
Officials have not indicated whether those enquiries produced information that assisted investigators.
Extradition Process Set to Begin
With Tshuma now in custody in South Africa, British authorities are expected to begin formal extradition proceedings to return him to the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwean investigators continue examining whether the suspect crossed into the country during his reported journey through southern Africa before his arrest.
