Police have released photographs of a mother and her two young daughters who were found dead at their Bedfordshire home, alongside CCTV footage of the woman’s husband, who is suspected of killing his family before fleeing the UK.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered at their home in Great Denham after relatives and others became concerned because they had not been seen for several days.
Police forced entry into the property and found the three bodies on Monday.
The children’s father, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who is also known as Mark, is believed to have left Britain two days before the bodies were discovered.
The 45-year-old, who is from Bedford and is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, is believed to have flown from London Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe on Saturday.
Police appeal to suspect to surrender
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and daughters Nala (centre) and Natalie. Pic: Bedfordshire Police
Bedfordshire Police have released a CCTV image showing Tshuma at Heathrow as officers continue efforts to locate him.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin made a direct appeal for the suspect to hand himself in.
“Unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you,” he said.
“Three innocent people have lost their lives in the worst possible circumstances, leaving your relatives and friends devastated.”
DI Martin added: “We are throwing the full weight of the law behind this investigation. Criminal investigations know no borders.
“We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of inquiry to track you down – and we will find you.
“So please do the right thing. Come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.”
Police believe Tshuma is now in Zimbabwe. The country does not appear on the UK’s list of extradition treaty partners.
School remembers five-year-old Nala
Police found the three bodies in their house in Great Denham on Monday
Nala’s school, Pilgrims Pre Prep in Bedford, paid tribute to the five-year-old, describing her as a much-loved member of its community.
Head teacher Jo Webster said staff had known Nala since she was just seven months old and had watched her grow.
“She was a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humour,” she said.
The school said she brought joy to those around her every day.
Suspect’s business and family home
Police released a CCTV image of the suspect
Tshuma is listed as the sole director of Nexus Trove Holdings, a property business registered to his Great Denham address, according to Companies House.
The company’s most recent filings show it held just over £1 million in assets at the end of 2024 and recorded a profit of £48,277 that year.
The family home was reportedly purchased for £1.27 million in May 2024, according to Rightmove. The property has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a swimming pool.
As the investigation continues, police are working with national and international agencies to trace Tshuma and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Nothabo, Natalie and Nala.