Man arrested in Johannesburg over Bedford triple murder of wife and daughters
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was detained in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday after an international manhunt involving UK police, Interpol, and authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa. His wife and two daughters were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on Monday.
Discovery of the victims
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday 6 July. Bedfordshire police launched an investigation after concerns were raised that the family had not been seen for several days. Detectives identified Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, the husband and father, as a suspect.
International manhunt
Police revealed that Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage also known as Mark, had left Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday 4 July and travelled to Zimbabwe. This was two days before the bodies were discovered. Bedfordshire police released a CCTV image of him and issued an international appeal, working with the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- Ndodana Tshuma flies from Heathrow to Zimbabwe.
- Bodies of wife and two daughters found in Great Denham.
- Police issue international appeal and release CCTV image.
- Tshuma arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg.
- Tshuma expected to appear before a Johannesburg court.
Arrest in Johannesburg
On Friday 10 July, South African police traced and arrested Tshuma in Kensington, a suburb of Johannesburg. South African police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest in televised comments.
The South African Police Service has successfully located and arrested Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, praised the multi-agency effort.
Thanks to the tireless work and dedication of all those involved, we have managed to swiftly locate and arrest Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who we want to speak to in connection with this shocking and tragic case.
Extradition and legal proceedings
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised three counts of murder against Tshuma after a review of evidence supplied by Bedfordshire police. Emma Davies, chief crown prosecutor, said criminal proceedings were now active and urged the public not to share material that could prejudice a fair trial.
This comes after the careful review of evidence provided by Bedfordshire police. Our thoughts remain with Zandile, Natalie and Nala's loved ones and with everyone affected by what has happened.
Tshuma was remanded in custody in South Africa while arrangements are made to return him to the UK. He is due to appear before a court in Johannesburg on Monday 13 July.
Tributes and ongoing inquiry
Relatives, schools and colleagues have paid tribute to the three victims. Detective Inspector Martin said the investigation remains ongoing and that Bedfordshire police will work closely with South African counterparts, the National Crime Agency and the CPS to secure Tshuma's return. No further details on the circumstances of the deaths have been released.
