Ndodana Tshuma’s possible extradition to the United Kingdom now depends on whether the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court accepts a plea agreement reached with the State.
Tshuma is accused of murdering his wife and their two young daughters in the UK before travelling to South Africa in July.
He was later arrested in Johannesburg and allegedly found in possession of a pistol and ammunition.
Tshuma pleads guilty in South Africa
Tshuma pleaded guilty on Tuesday to firearm and immigration-related charges.
However, the terms of the agreement between Tshuma and the State, including the proposed sentence, have not been made public.
Proceedings were delayed after an issue involving a document signed by former National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi.
The court has not yet approved the plea agreement.
Even where an accused and the State agree on a deal, the final decision rests with the magistrate, who must determine whether the agreement and proposed sentence are just and appropriate.
Tshuma’s lawyer, Chrispen Machingura, said the defence wants the South African matter finalised as quickly as possible.
According to Machingura, the intention is for Tshuma to be returned to the UK to face the murder allegations against him.
He declined to disclose the proposed sentence included in the plea agreement.
A custodial sentence in South Africa could complicate the extradition process further.
It could raise questions about whether Tshuma would first have to serve that sentence locally before being transferred to the UK.
Court decision now crucial
The firearm case and the extradition proceedings are both expected back before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The immediate focus will be on whether the magistrate accepts the plea deal.
If approved, it could clear one of the key legal hurdles before the extradition matter moves forward.
Tshuma has not yet stood trial in the UK over the murder allegations, and those allegations remain to be tested in court.