Mother and two daughters ‘murdered by IT expert father before he fled to South Africa’ died of blunt force trauma, post mortem finds

A forensic autopsy revealed that a mother and her two children, whose bodies were found in their home in Bedfordshire last week, died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Police found Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala, last Monday after concerns were raised that they had not been seen for several days.

A murder investigation was launched and three days later the Crown Prosecution Service authorized three murder charges against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark.

Tshuma, who is married to Nothabo, was arrested by authorities in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the same day.

The 45-year-old man remains in custody after appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court today.

The court heard the fugitive was cornered by elite police at a house in a fashionable suburb of the city and found to be carrying an illegally purchased pistol and two live rounds.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, of the South African police force, said after the hearing: ‘When he arrived in South Africa he was told that he had visited one of the towns where the firearm was sold along with the bullets.

We have a separate investigation into the identity of the suspects who sold him unlicensed weapons, and many investigations are being followed regarding this.

Police found 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, last Monday after concerns were raised that they had not been seen for several days.

‘I can also confirm that we have received a provisional extradition request from Interpol in Manchester to Interpol in Pretoria for him to be returned to the UK.

‘This includes the arrest warrant issued by the UK authorities and we need to obtain the full case file and supporting evidence relating to extradition.’

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: ‘This case has received a large amount of media coverage and we are aware of international reports circulating which contain some speculation about this case.

‘Proceedings in this case remain active, with three murder charges confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service and we are unable to provide any further details at this stage.

‘We continue to work with the CPS and international partners as the case progresses.’

Tshuma, who is of Zimbabwean descent, sparked a five-day manhunt before being captured.