A man has been charged with three counts of murder after being arrested in South Africa following the death of his wife and two daughters, prosecutors have said.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, police in South Africa said on Friday and shortly afterwards the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the UK said it had authorised charges against the 45-year-old.
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.
Emma Davies, chief Crown prosecutor from the CPS, 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.
“As criminal proceedings are active, nothing should be reported, commented on or shared online that could prejudice the defendant’s right to a fair trial.”
Bedfordshire Police said Tshuma has been remanded into custody and work is now under way to return him to the UK.
Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage who goes by Mark, was traced and arrested “through swift operational coordination and intelligence-led policing”, the South African Police Service said.
The force said the 45-year-old is due to appear in court on Monday.
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.”
In a statement issued by Bedfordshire Police on Thursday, a family member said: “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.”
