Police release image of dad named as suspect in death of wife and two children
A manhunt is underway for a father following the deaths of his “kind” wife and two daughters, police said.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala were found dead in a large detached house on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday.
Bedfordshire Police believe they were murdered and a suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name Mark.
Police have released CCTV footage of Tshuma, a British national of Zimbabwean origin, who is believed to have left the country from Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe on a British passport on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: “We are carrying out a number of inquiries as part of this rapid and complex investigation. We understand that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is currently believed to be in Zimbabwe.”
“We are trying to find and arrest him urgently and will appeal directly to him to surrender.
“Mark has suffered unimaginable harm to those around him, leaving his relatives and friends completely devastated. His criminal investigation knows no bounds.
“We are actively working with national and international organizations to pursue any existing investigations to find you.
“Please do the right thing, come forward and turn yourself in to local authorities.
“Our thoughts remain with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as everyone who loved and knew them, at this extremely difficult time.”
At least four police cars were seen parked in front of the property on Tuesday evening.
The property’s driveway was cordoned off and bunches of flowers were left on the fence outside the house.
A woman, one of five people who laid flowers outside the house on Tuesday, tearfully told the press: “We are truly sorry we lost her. She was a very compassionate mother.”
Another resident, who did not want to give his name, said he was shocked that the incident happened in “such a beautiful and safe area”.
About a two-minute walk from the house is Bedford, an abandoned golf clubhouse, and the fairway near the property appears to be part of a golf course.
