Man wanted on suspicion of murdering wife and two children in Bedford arrested in South Africa

11 Jul 2026 • 3:18 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Man wanted on suspicion of murdering wife and two children in Bedford arrested in South Africa

A man wanted on suspicion of murdering his wife and two daughters in Bedfordshire has been arrested in South Africa, police in the country have said.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, after “an intensive operation involving the SAPS Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit”, the South African Police Service (Saps) said in a statement on X on Friday.

Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile; Natalie, 15; and Nala, five, were found dead in a £1.3 million detached house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford, after concerns were raised on Monday that they had not been seen for several days.

Saps said the suspect, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage who goes by Mark, was traced and arrested “through swift operational coordination and intelligence-led policing”.

"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," said Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma is believed to have left Heathrow Airport on a British passport on July 4 (PA)

Saps said the 45-year-old is due to appear in court on Monday.

Police in Britain said it is believed Tshuma travelled to South Africa from Zimbabwe, after leaving the country on July 4.

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, senior investigating officer at Bedfordshire Police, said: “This has been a fast-moving investigation which has involved multiple law enforcement partners, including the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

“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.

“Our thoughts remain very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as their loved ones, at this time.”

More to follow...

Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved