Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, who goes by the name Mark, is the prime suspect in the murders of his wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five. Their bodies were discovered on Monday at their home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, near Bedford, after concerns were raised that they had not been seen for several days.
Suspect believed to be in Zimbabwe
Bedfordshire Police have issued a CCTV image of Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, who is believed to have left the UK from Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday. He is now thought to be in Zimbabwe, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the UK, complicating efforts to bring him back for prosecution.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin 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.”
Business and property details
According to Companies House, Tshuma owns and runs a property business called Nexus Trove Holdings from his address in Great Denham. The most recent filings show the business had just over £1 million in assets at the end of 2024 and made a profit of £48,277 that year. The family home, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom detached house with a swimming pool, was purchased for £1,270,000 in May 2024, according to Rightmove.
Tributes to the victims
Both girls were privately educated. Natalie attended Bedford Girls’ School, while Nala was a pupil at Pilgrims Pre Prep School. Nala’s headteacher, Jo Webster, described her as a “much-loved member of our school community” who “brought joy to those around her every day.” She added: “She was a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humour.”
Gemma Gibson, headmistress of Bedford Girls’ School, said Natalie was a “bright and accomplished Year 10 student” who was “dearly loved by everyone.” She noted: “She was a talented dancer, musician and keen sportswoman. She was fun loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with.”
Police investigation and community reaction
Detective Inspector Lee Martin urged Tshuma to surrender: “Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you, and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated. Criminal investigation knows no borders. We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of inquiry to track you down.”
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 who laid flowers tearfully said: “We’re really sorry to lose her. She was such a gracious mother.” Another resident expressed shock that the incident occurred in “such a nice and safe area.”
