The daughters who were found dead alongside their mother in a home have been remembered as “fun-loving” and “much-loved” by their headteachers.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered by police officers in a large detached house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, police believe the victims to be Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5.
Bedfordshire Police believe they were murdered and a suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name of Mark. An international manhunt is now underway.
A family statement issued through Bedfordshire Police reads: “The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile (Nothabo) Khumalo and her two children.
“During this time of unimaginable loss, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort, and support. Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.
“As the circumstances surrounding their passing remain the subject of an official investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage. We are also awaiting guidance from the relevant authorities before confirming funeral and memorial arrangements.
“We respectfully ask for patience and understanding as the necessary processes are completed. An official update will be shared as soon as further information can be released.
“We kindly request that the media and members of the public respect our family’s privacy during this profoundly difficult time and refrain from sharing or circulating unverified information or speculation.
“The Khumalo family sincerely appreciates the continued love, prayers, and support shown by family, friends, and the wider community.”
Natalie and Nala were privately educated and their schools have also paid tribute to them.
Natalie was described by her headmistress as “fun loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with”.
Mrs Gemma Gibson, headmistress of Bedford Girls' School, paid tribute to Natalie: “Natalie was a bright and accomplished Year 10 student who was dearly loved by everyone at Bedford Girls’ School.
“She was a talented dancer, musician and keen 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 warmth and affection.
“Her tragic death, together with that of her loving mother and younger sister, who were also well known to many of us, is a hugely devastating shock to all at Bedford Girls’ School and the wider Harpur Trust group of schools.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie’s wider family, friends and all of those impacted by this terrible news.”
Headteacher Jo Webster, of Pilgrims Pre Prep School, remembered Nala as someone who “brought warmth and happiness wherever she went” and she “had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection”.
She said: “Nala was 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 seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow. Known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, positivity and wonderful sense of humour, she was a little ray of sunshine.
“Whether wearing one of her favourite colourful hair accessories, making those around her laugh or taking centre stage in our Pre-School Nativity, Nala brought warmth and happiness wherever she went.
“She had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Nala’s family, friends and everyone affected by this heart-breaking loss.”
Tshuma is now believed to be in Zimbabwe but the African country does not appear on a list of the UK’s extradition treaty partners.
He owns and runs a property business called Nexus Trove Holdings from his address in Great Denham, according to Companies House.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: “We have been carrying out numerous lines of inquiry as part of this fast-paced, complex investigation.
“We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.
“We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in.
“Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you, and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated.”
He continued: “Criminal investigation knows no borders.
“We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of inquiry to track you down.
“Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.
“Our thoughts are still very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as all of those who loved and knew them, at this extremely difficult time.”
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