Fleeing UK man wanted for wife, two daughters’ murder arrested in South Africa

A British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage has been charged with three counts of murder after being arrested in South Africa in connection with the deaths of his wife and two daughters in Bedfordshire.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised charges against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma shortly after his arrest in Johannesburg on Friday.

On Thursday, Mediaroomafrica reported that the victims were identified as 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5. Their bodies were found at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, after police forced entry due to concerns that the family had not been seen for several days.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, Emma Davies, said the decision to charge followed a review of evidence submitted by Bedfordshire Police.

Davies said, “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised three charges of murder against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma following the deaths of his wife and two daughters.

“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.”

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, praised officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.

“This arrest demonstrates that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives.

“Anyone who believes they can evade justice by fleeing to our country should know that SAPS will work tirelessly with international law enforcement partners to trace, locate and arrest them,” the release further noted.

SAPS said the suspect is expected to appear before a South African court on Monday.

Extradition process under way

Bedfordshire Police said arrangements to return Tshuma to the United Kingdom had already begun.

Detective Inspector Lee Martin described the investigation as a fast-moving international operation involving Bedfordshire Police, the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“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.

“Our investigation remains ongoing and we’ll be working closely with our counterparts in South Africa, as well as the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring him back to this country,” the police stated.

The deaths of Zandile, Natalie and Nala were announced on Tuesday, a day after their bodies were found at the family’s home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham.

In a statement released through police, the family thanked members of the public for their support during what they described as “this time of unimaginable loss.”

The family said, “Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”