Police have released an image of a man wanted in connection with the deaths of a woman and two children found at a £1.3 million home in Great Denham, near Bedford.
The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and two girls believed to be her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were discovered on Monday, July 6, after officers forced entry into a property on Carnoustie Drive. Formal identification is yet to take place.
On July 7, Bedfordshire Police released a CCTV image of Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, who is also known as Mark. He is from Bedford and is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage.
Police believe Tshuma left the UK from Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday, July 4, and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, said: “We have been carrying out numerous lines of enquiry as part of this fast-paced, complex investigation. We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.”
He added: “We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in. 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. We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of enquiry to track you down.
“Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities. Our thoughts are still very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as all of those who loved and knew them, at this extremely difficult time.”
Assistant Chief Constable Murphy said police had identified a suspect “known to all three victims” and that there was nothing to suggest a wider risk to the public. He added that police presence would be increased in the area to support the investigation and reassure residents.
It is understood that both Tshuma and his wife were originally from Zimbabwe, while the children were born in the UK. Land Registry records show the four-bedroom detached house, which has a swimming pool and four bathrooms, was purchased two years ago for £1.3 million.
A family friend described the suspected deaths as “incomprehensible” and said her daughter was best friends with the youngest victim.
“Both of them – they were amazing,” she said. “I am shocked.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious on Carnoustie Drive on Friday, July 3, or Saturday, July 4, to come forward.
