POLICE in the United Kingdom have launched an international manhunt after releasing a CCTV image of a murder suspect believed to have killed his wife and two daughters before fleeing the country.
The bodies of 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered after Bedfordshire Police forced entry into their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday, following reports that the family had not been seen for several days.
Police identified the suspect as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, and disclosed that he left the United Kingdom through Heathrow Airport on Saturday using a British passport.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said investigators believe Tshuma has travelled to Zimbabwe and that extensive efforts are underway to locate and arrest him.
“We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe,” Martin said.
He added that Bedfordshire Police is working closely with national and international law enforcement agencies to track down the suspect.
“We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in,” the detective said.
Addressing the suspect directly, Martin urged him to surrender to authorities.
“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,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s police force said it has not yet received any formal notification from Interpol regarding the possible presence of Tshuma in the country.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said Zimbabwean authorities became aware of the case through media reports but had already activated security structures to monitor for any possible sightings of the suspect.
As investigations continue, tributes have poured in for the victims, with flowers being laid outside the family home in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, where police recovered the bodies.
The house remains cordoned off while forensic investigations continue.
Nala’s school, Pilgrims Pre-Prep School, described the five-year-old as a cheerful child who brought happiness to those around her.
Headteacher Jo Webster said Nala was “a ray of sunshine”, known for her inquisitive nature and “wonderful sense of humour.”
She added that many members of staff had known the child since she was just seven months old and had watched her grow.
Bedford Girls’ School also paid tribute to Natalie, a Year 10 student, describing her as a bright, talented and accomplished young girl.
Headteacher Gemma Gibson said Natalie excelled 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.
Residents of the quiet neighbourhood also expressed shock over the tragedy.
One woman who joined others in laying flowers outside the house tearfully described Nothabo as “such a gracious mother.”
“We’re really sorry to lose her,” she said.
Other neighbours told the BBC they were stunned that such an incident could occur in what they described as “such a nice and safe area.”
Bedfordshire Police said there is currently nothing to indicate any wider threat to the public but announced that patrols in the area would be increased as investigations continue.
The force appealed to anyone with information about the incident, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the neighbourhood on Friday or Saturday, to contact investigators.
Police also noted that formal identification of the three victims has not yet been completed.