A grieving community is in shock after a mother and her two young daughters were found dead in their £1.3 million home — and the father has been named as the prime suspect, believed to have fled to Zimbabwe.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered at their detached four‑bedroom house with a swimming pool in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, on Monday. Bedfordshire Police immediately launched a triple murder investigation.
“Father Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma suspected of murdering wife and two daughters, believed to have fled to Zimbabwe.”
Within hours, officers identified Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma — also known as Mark — as the suspect. The 45‑year‑old IT expert and British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage is thought to have left the country on July 4, catching a flight from Heathrow Airport. CCTV released by police shows him boarding a plane, believed to be headed to Zimbabwe on a British passport.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin appealed directly to Tshuma, warning: “We will find you.” In a press conference, Martin urged the 45‑year‑old to turn himself in.
Neighbours described the family as “a perfect family who became broken”. One local, who asked not to be named, told The Sun: “They seemed to have it all – two beautiful girls, great jobs and a lovely big house with a swimming pool. But then we heard on the grapevine that the house had recently been valued and they were putting it on the market. Someone said they were splitting up with divorce on the cards and it was very bitter because the girls were going to be living with their mum. The dad is a powerful and influential businessman and, I understand, rather controlling.”
The headteachers of the girls’ schools paid emotional tributes. Gemma Gibson, headmistress of Bedford Girls’ School, said Natalie was “a bright and accomplished Year 10 student who was dearly loved by everyone… She was fun‑loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with.” At Pilgrims Pre‑Prep School, headteacher Jo Webster remembered Nala as “a much‑loved member of our school community… a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humour.”
The house, bought around two years ago, was reportedly the couple’s “dream home” — but cracks had appeared, with Zandile said to have begged for a divorce over her husband’s controlling behaviour. Now the community is left mourning the loss of a family that once seemed to have everything.