(Mark. Photo by BBC News)
Police have released a CCTV image of a murder suspect believed to have k!lled his wife and two daughters before fleeing the UK.
The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found after police forced entry to a house near Bedford on Monday, following reports that the family had not been seen for several days.
Bedfordshire Police is seeking 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, who left the country via Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.
Det Insp Lee Martin said the force was aware that Mark Tshuma had left the country on Saturday and was now believed to be in Zimbabwe, adding that the force was working with national and international agencies to locate him.
He said efforts were being made urgently to find and apprehend him, appealing to him directly to hand himself in.
Addressing the suspect directly, Martin said unthinkable harm had been caused to those around him, leaving his relatives and friends utterly devastated, and stressed that criminal investigations know no borders, urging him to come forward and hand himself in to local authorities.
Tributes were paid to the two girls by their schools. Pilgrims Pre-Prep School head Jo Webster described Nala as a “ray of sunshine” known for her inquisitive nature and wonderful sense of humour, noting that many staff members had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow.
Bedford Girls’ School head Gemma Gibson remembered Year 10 pupil Natalie as bright and accomplished, highlighting her talents as a dancer, musician and sportswoman, describing her as fun-loving, full of life, and someone who had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with, adding that she would be remembered with great warmth and affection.
The house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, has been cordoned off, with bunches of flowers placed on a hedge outside.
A woman among those who laid flowers tearfully said they were really sorry to lose her, describing her as such a gracious mother.
Other neighbours who spoke to a foreign broadcaster said they were shocked the incident happened in what they described as such a nice and safe area.
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy had previously described it as a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.
The force said there was nothing to suggest any wider risk to the public but confirmed it would be increasing patrols in the area.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on Friday or Saturday, has been asked to contact Bedfordshire Police. Formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place.
