Bedfordshire Police have identified Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, known as Mark, as the prime suspect in the murder of his wife and two daughters. The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered in their £1.3 million home on Carnoustie Drive near Bedford on Monday, July 6, after concerns were raised that the family had not been seen for several days.
Suspect believed to have fled to Zimbabwe
Police believe Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, left the UK from Heathrow Airport on Saturday, July 3, using a British passport. A CCTV image of him has been released. He is now thought to be in Zimbabwe, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the UK. Tshuma owns and runs a property business called Nexus Trove Holdings, registered at his address in Great Denham, according to Companies House.
Police appeal for suspect to surrender
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: “We have been carrying out numerous lines of inquiry as part of this fast-paced, complex investigation. 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. 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. Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities. 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.”
Community in shock
At least four police cars were seen outside the property on Tuesday, 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, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed shock that the incident occurred in “such a nice and safe area.”
