By Victor Fanuel
HARARE — British police have launched an international manhunt for a Zimbabwean-born man suspected of murdering his wife and two young daughters before allegedly fleeing to Zimbabwe.
Bedfordshire Police said Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, also known as Mark, is wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5.
The three were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on Monday after officers forced entry following concerns for their welfare.
Investigators believe Tshuma left the United Kingdom before the bodies were discovered and is now in Zimbabwe.
Police have launched an international search and are working with overseas law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest him.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin appealed directly to the suspect to surrender.
“We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in.”
Martin said the killings had devastated the victims’ loved ones and warned that crossing international borders would not shield the suspect from prosecution.
“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.
“Three innocent people have lost their lives in the worst possible circumstances, leaving your relatives and friends devastated.
“We are throwing the full weight of the law behind this investigation. Criminal investigations know no borders,” said Martin.
“We are actively working with national and intentional agencies to pursue every available line of inquiry to track you down – and we will find you.
“So please do the right thing. Come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities,” added Martin.
Police said enquiries suggest Tshuma travelled through Heathrow Airport on Saturday, two days before the bodies were discovered.
Detectives have not disclosed a possible motive, saying the investigation remains at an early stage.
The family had reportedly moved to the affluent Great Denham neighbourhood in 2024.
Neighbours described them as friendly and said the deaths had left the close-knit community in shock.
Nala’s school, Pilgrims Pre Prep in Bedford, called her “a much-loved member of our school community [who] brought joy to those around her every day”.
“Many of our staff had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow.
“She was a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humour,” said head teacher Jo Webster.
Forensic teams continued examining the property on Wednesday while uniformed officers maintained an increased presence in the area to reassure residents.
Bedfordshire Police urged anyone with information on Tshuma’s whereabouts to come forward, saying all leads were being pursued as part of the international investigation.
The case has drawn attention in Zimbabwe following reports that Tshuma is believed to have returned to the country after allegedly fleeing Britain.
If confirmed, any extradition proceedings would be governed by the legal arrangements between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom.
Police said the investigation into the triple homicide is ongoing.
