Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a mother and her two daughters who were killed in their own home in Bedford. Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were pronounced dead at their £1.3 million property in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham near Bedford on July 6.
Suspect Named as Husband and Father
Zandile's husband and the girls' father, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, known as Mark, has been named by police as a suspect. Officers believe he has fled to Zimbabwe, sparking an urgent manhunt. Police have issued a CCTV image of Tshuma, who is believed to have left the country from Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe on a British passport on Saturday.
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.”
Tributes to Natalie: A Talented Dancer and Sportswoman
Flowers have been left at the tragic scene as tributes poured in. Mrs Gemma Gibson, Headmistress of Bedford Girls' School, paid tribute to Natalie. She said: “Natalie was a bright and accomplished Year 10 student who was dearly loved by everyone at Bedford Girls’ School. 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; she will be remembered with warmth and affection. Her tragic death, together with that of her loving mother and younger sister, who were also well known to many of us, is a hugely devastating shock to all at Bedford Girls’ School and the wider Harpur Trust group of schools.”
Tributes to Nala: A Little Ray of Sunshine
Headteacher Jo Webster, of Pilgrims Pre Prep School, paid tribute to Nala, saying: “Nala was a much-loved member of our school community who brought joy to those around her every day. Many of our staff had known her since she was seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow. Known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, positivity and wonderful sense of humour, she was a little ray of sunshine. Whether wearing one of her favourite colourful hair accessories, making those around her laugh or taking centre stage in our Pre-School Nativity, Nala brought warmth and happiness wherever she went. She had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection.”
Family Statement and Investigation
The family have thanked the local community for their support in a statement which said: “The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile (Nothabo) Khumalo and her two children. During this time of unimaginable loss, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort, and support. Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family. As the circumstances surrounding their passing remain the subject of an official investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage. We are also awaiting guidance from the relevant authorities before confirming funeral and memorial arrangements. We respectfully ask for patience and understanding as the necessary processes are completed. An official update will be shared as soon as further information can be released. We kindly request that the media and members of the public respect our family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time and refrain from sharing or circulating unverified information or speculation.”
Mark, who has a degree in Computing Informatics from the University of Plymouth, reportedly bought the detached house two years ago for £1.3 million. The property has a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin also appealed directly to the suspect: “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.”
Anyone with information should contact police via the webchat service on www.beds.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Snowdrift.
