A father suspected of murdering his “gracious” wife and two daughters is thought to have left the UK for Zimbabwe.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in a £1.3 million detached house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford, after concerns were raised on Monday that they had not been seen for several days.
Bedfordshire Police believe they were murdered and a suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name of Mark.
The force has issued a CCTV image of Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, who is believed to have left the country from Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.
Tshuma is now believed to be in Zimbabwe, but the African country does not appear on a list of the UK’s extradition treaty partners.
He owns and runs a property business called Nexus Trove Holdings from his address in Great Denham, according to Companies House.
Most recent filings show that the business had just over £1 million in assets at the end of 2024.
The firm, of which he is the sole director, made a £48,277 profit that year.
According to Rightmove, the property was bought for £1,270,000 in May 2024, and has a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
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.”
At least four police cars could be seen parked outside the property on Tuesday evening.
The property’s driveway was cordoned off and bunches of flowers were laid on a hedge outside the house.
A woman who was among five people who laid flowers outside the house on Tuesday tearfully told the press: “We’re really sorry to lose her.
“She was such a gracious mother.”
Another resident, who did not wish to be named, expressed shock that the incident took place in “such a nice and safe area”.
Around a two-minute walk from the house is The Bedford, an abandoned golf clubhouse, and the area of grass close to the property appears to have been part of a golf course.
