Bedfordshire Police have named 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name Mark, as the suspect in the murders of his wife and two daughters. The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered in their £1.3 million detached home on Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford, after concerns were raised on Monday that they had not been seen for several days.
Suspect Believed to Have Left the UK
Police believe Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, left the country from Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday. CCTV footage shows him at the airport. He is now thought to be in Zimbabwe, a country that does not appear on the UK's list of extradition treaty partners, complicating efforts to bring him back.
Victims and Investigation
Detective Inspector Lee Martin described the investigation as fast-paced and complex. He said: "We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe. We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in." He added: "Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you, and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated."
Martin stressed that criminal investigation knows no borders and that police are working with national and international agencies. He urged Tshuma to do the right thing and hand himself in to local authorities.
Property and Business Background
Tshuma owns and runs a property business called Nexus Trove Holdings from his Great Denham address, according to Companies House. The firm, of which he is the sole director, had just over £1 million in assets at the end of 2024 and made a profit of £48,277 that year. The property, bought for £1,270,000 in May 2024, features a swimming pool, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms, according to Rightmove.
Community Reaction
At least four police cars were parked outside the property on Tuesday evening, with the driveway cordoned off. Bunches of flowers were laid on a hedge outside the house. A woman, among five people who laid flowers, tearfully told the press: "We're really sorry to lose her. She was such a gracious mother." Another resident expressed shock that the incident took place in "such a nice and safe area."
The area around Carnoustie Drive includes an abandoned golf clubhouse, The Bedford, and the nearby grass appears to have been part of a golf course.
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to pursue all available lines of inquiry. Detective Inspector Martin concluded: "Our thoughts are still very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as all of those who loved and knew them, at this extremely difficult time."
