A father suspected of murdering his wife and two daughters is the subject of an international manhunt after he left the UK on a British passport and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.
Police forced entry to a £1.27 million detached house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on Monday after reports that the family had not been seen for several days. Inside, they found the bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five.
“Manhunt for Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who fled to Zimbabwe after wife and two daughters found dead in Bedfordshire.”
Bedfordshire Police named the suspect as Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, also known as Mark, who is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage. CCTV images released by police show Tshuma at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, when he left the country on a British passport. Detective Inspector Lee Martin confirmed: “We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.”
Tshuma is the sole director of a property business, Nexus Trove Holdings, which had just over £1m in assets at the end of 2024 and made a £48,277 profit that year. The property where the bodies were found was bought in May 2024, according to Rightmove, and has a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
As the manhunt intensifies, tributes have been paid to the victims. Pilgrims Pre-Prep School head Jo Webster described Nala as a “ray of sunshine” known for her inquisitive nature and “wonderful sense of humour”. She added: “Many of our staff had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow.” Bedford Girls’ School head Gemma Gibson remembered Natalie, a Year 10 pupil, as “bright and accomplished”, highlighting her talents as a dancer, musician and 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 great warmth and affection,” Gibson said.
Det Insp Martin 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. Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.”
Zimbabwe’s police force has told the BBC it has yet to receive any formal notice from Interpol of the possible presence of Tshuma in the country. Police spokesman Paul Nyathi said the force was aware of the case via the media and had put structures in place to alert for any sightings. The UK does not have an extradition treaty with Zimbabwe, which could complicate efforts to bring him back.
Flowers have been laid outside the house as the community reels from the tragedy. The schools’ tributes reflect the devastating loss of two young lives, while police continue to work with national and international agencies to track down the man who, in the words of Det Insp Martin, has caused “unthinkable harm”.