A man accused of killing his wife and two daughters in the UK has admitted unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition in South Africa.

Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found with fatal head injuries in Great Denham, near Bedford, on 7 July.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was arrested in Johannesburg after leaving the UK. Local police said he was found with a gun and ammunition he had bought in South Africa. He has appeared before magistrates in the city for a plea hearing.

The Crown Prosecution Service in England has authorised three murder charges against Tshuma and an extradition hearing is due to take place in South Africa on Thursday.

The defendant, who is also known as Mark Tshuma, is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage.

He could face sentencing for the gun offences later.