Bedfordshire Police have named a man they want to question over the deaths of his wife and two young daughters, and say he left the UK days before the bodies were found.
Officers forced entry to a home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday after concerns the family had not been seen for several days. Inside, they found 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5. Formal identification has not yet taken place.
Police are now looking for 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark. Detectives say he departed from Heathrow Airport on Saturday using a British passport and is believed to have traveled to Zimbabwe.
Det Insp Lee Martin said the force is working with national and international agencies to locate him.
“Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated,” he said. “Criminal investigation knows no borders. Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.”
Zimbabwe police told the BBC they had not yet received formal notice from Interpol, but have put measures in place to watch for any sightings after seeing media reports.
Tributes have been paid by the girls’ schools. Pilgrims Pre-Prep head Jo Webster described Nala as a “ray of sunshine” with an inquisitive nature and “wonderful sense of humour,” adding staff had known her since she was seven months old.
Bedford Girls’ School head Gemma Gibson called Year 10 pupil Natalie “bright and accomplished,” and remembered her talents in dance, music and sport. “She was fun-loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with,” she said.
Flowers have been left outside the cordoned-off house in Great Denham. One woman who laid flowers said: “We’re really sorry to lose her. She was such a gracious mother.” Neighbors described the area as usually “nice and safe” and said they were shocked.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy called it “a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.” Police said there is no wider risk to the public but patrols in the area have been increased.
Anyone with information, or who saw suspicious activity around the property on Friday or Saturday, is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police.
