Man charged with Bedfordshire murder of his wife and daughters after arrest in South Africa | UK news
A man has been charged with murdering his wife and two young daughters after he was arrested in South Africa following an international manhunt.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said he authorized three murders against 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma after he was arrested in Kensington, a suburb of Johannesburg, on Friday.
Tshuma’s wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and the couple’s daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday after concerns were raised that the family had not been seen for several days.
Crown prosecutor Emma Davies said: “This follows a careful review of the evidence provided by Bedfordshire police. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Zandile, Natalie and Nala and everyone affected by what happened.”
Davies said the criminal case was now active and urged people not to publish or share material that could undermine the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Bedfordshire police said Tshuma, a British national of Zimbabwean origin, also known as Mark, was detained in South Africa and arrangements were being made for him to be returned to the UK.
South African police said he was tracked down and arrested through “rapid operational coordination and intelligence-led policing”. He is due to appear in court in Johannesburg on Monday.
Senior investigating officer Det Insp Lee Martin said the investigation involved “multiple law enforcement partners”, including the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“Thanks to the tireless work and dedication of everyone involved, we were able to quickly locate and arrest Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, whom we wish to speak to in relation to this shocking and tragic incident,” Martin said.
“Our investigation is ongoing and we will work closely with our colleagues in South Africa, as well as the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring him back to this country.”
Before his arrest, police believed Tshuma had flown to Zimbabwe from Heathrow on Saturday, two days before the bodies of his wife and daughters were found. Detectives had launched an international appeal to locate him.
Tributes were paid to the three victims by their relatives, schools and colleagues.
In a statement released through Bedfordshire police, members of the Khumalo family said they were “deeply saddened” by the deaths.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort and support during this time of unimaginable loss,” they said. “Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”
Nala’s headteacher described the five-year-old as a “little ray of sunshine”, while Bedford Girls’ School said Natalie was a “bright and successful” student who was “well-liked by everyone”.
Zandile’s employer, Forensic Risk Alliance, said colleagues were “heartbroken” and described her as a “much loved and valued member of staff” whose warmth and kindness will be deeply missed.
