By a Correspondent
United Kingdom 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 have identified the suspect as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, and released a CCTV image as the search intensifies.
Investigators say Tshuma left the UK through Heathrow Airport on Saturday using a British passport and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said authorities were working with both national and international law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the suspect.
“We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe,” Martin said.
The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42) and her daughters, Natalie (15) and Nala (5), were discovered on Monday after officers forced entry into the family’s home in Great Denham, near Bedfordshire, following reports that they had not been seen for several days.
Great Denham is a modern, family-friendly village situated approximately 94 kilometers northwest of London
Police have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but have launched a murder investigation.
Martin issued a direct appeal to Tshuma to surrender himself 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.”
In Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said it had not yet received any formal communication regarding Tshuma’s alleged presence in the country.
Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told the BBC that while no official Interpol notice had been received, Zimbabwean authorities were aware of the case through media reports and had activated internal mechanisms to monitor for any possible sightings of the suspect.
Meanwhile, the family home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, remains sealed off as forensic investigators continue their work.
Floral tributes have been placed outside the property by grieving neighbours and members of the community as shock and sorrow continue to ripple through the quiet neighbourhood.
British police have urged anyone with information on Tshuma’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately, stressing that international cooperation is underway to ensure he is brought before the courts.
