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Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters Nala, five, and Natalie, 15, all died
ByDanny Fullbrook and Holly Nicholsin Great Denham
Police have released a CCTV image of a murder suspect believed to have killed his wife and two daughters before fleeing the UK.
The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found after police forced entry to a house near Bedford on Monday after reports the family had not been seen for several days.
Bedfordshire Police is seeking 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, who left the country via Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.
Det Insp Lee Martin said: “We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.”
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, left the country via Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday
He added the force was working with national and international agencies to find Tshuma.
“We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in.”
He appealed directly to the suspect, saying: “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.”
Bunches of flowers have been left outside the house where police found the bodies of a mother and her children
Tributes were paid to the two girls by their schools, with Pilgrims Pre-Prep School head Jo Webster describing Nala as a “ray of sunshine” known for her inquisitive nature and “wonderful sense of humour”.
She said: “Many of our staff had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow.”
Bedford Girls’ School head Gemma Gibson remembered Year10 pupil Natalie as “bright and accomplished” while highlighting her talents 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.”
Det Insp Lee Martin urged Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma to hand himself in
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The house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, has been cordoned off and bunches of flowers have been placed on a hedge outside.
A woman who was among the people who laid flowers tearfully said: “We’re really sorry to lose her.
“She was such a gracious mother.”
Other neighbours who spoke to the BBC said they were shocked the incident took place in “such a nice and safe area”.
Officers forced their way into the house on Monday, after the woman and children had not been seen for several days
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy had previously said it was “a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered”.
The force said there was nothing to suggest there was any wider risk to the public, but it would be increasing patrols in the area.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area on Friday or Saturday, have been asked to contact Bedfordshire Police, external.
Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place.
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