Man wanted in UK over murders of his wife and two children arrested in South Africa

A man wanted in the UK over the murders of his wife and two children has been arrested in South Africa.

The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala were found in a house in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on 6 July.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who also goes by the name Mark, has now been arrested.

South African Police Service national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told reporters that the arrest was carried out with support from Interpol.

"Within a matter of hours," she said the force was able to track the man down to Kensington in Johannesburg, adding: "Let this be a stern warning to criminals across the world that South Africa is not a hiding place for fugitives."

Tshuma, 45, had left the UK two days before their bodies were discovered, according to Bedfordshire Police, and was believed to have gone to Zimbabwe from Heathrow Airport.

He is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, according to the force. The suspect will appear in court in South Africa on Monday.

The arrest came shortly after the Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised charges against the 45-year-old.

In a statement after South African police confirmed the arrest, Bedfordshire Police said it is believed Tshuma "travelled to South Africa from Zimbabwe, after leaving the country on Saturday" - adding that "work is now under way to return him to the UK".

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, added that along with international bodies, "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."

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A relative spoke of the family's "unimaginable loss" in a statement issued by police following their deaths.

They 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."

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