An international manhunt is underway for Ndodana Tshuma, also known as Mark, after he was captured on CCTV fleeing through Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe just two days before his wife and two daughters were discovered dead at the family’s £1.3million home in Bedfordshire.
Police have launched a murder investigation after the bodies of Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered at the family’s home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Tuesday. Officers forced entry to the property after the family had not been seen for several days. The prime suspect, Ndodana Tshuma, 45, a senior IT manager earning around £100,000 a year, was filmed on CCTV at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, two days before the bodies were found, as he apparently fled the country for Zimbabwe.
CCTV Captures Suspect’s Departure
Footage from Heathrow shows Tshuma dressed in black with a blue sweater, wearing an Apple Watch and carrying a bottle of Coke and a bottle of water as he passed through an E-gate at the airport, holding his boarding pass and pushing a suitcase. The images have become central to the investigation, offering police one of their clearest leads as they attempt to establish his whereabouts and trace his movements since leaving the UK.
Police Describe ‘Incredibly Complex’ Investigation
Bedfordshire Police have deployed specialist teams to the case, which Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy described as being in its early stages. “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered. Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected,” he said. “This is the early stages of what is an incredibly complex investigation. We are committing all necessary resources to establish exactly what has happened and to find the person responsible.”
Murphy confirmed that investigators had identified a suspect known to all three victims, and that they believe he has since left the country. According to LBC, at least four police vehicles, including two marked Scientific Services Unit, were seen parked outside the property on Tuesday afternoon, with the driveway cordoned off and flowers laid beside a hedge outside the house.
A Family With Roots in Zimbabwe
The Tshuma family were said to have originated from Zimbabwe. Ndodana Tshuma bought the detached property two years ago for £1.3million and spent months renovating and modernising it, according to LBC. The house now features a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Tshuma holds a degree in Computing Informatics from the University of Plymouth. According to his LinkedIn profile, he first studied Management Information Systems at Solusi University in Zimbabwe before completing his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Plymouth, and later undertook a diploma in Business Systems Analysis and Design at City St George’s, University of London. He describes himself on the platform as a “results oriented and energetic IT leader.”
Increased Police Presence for Local Reassurance
Murphy said there was currently nothing to suggest a wider risk to the public, but confirmed police would be stepping up their presence in the area. “While there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, we will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents,” he said. He also urged the public to respect the privacy of the victims. “I would also ask people to be mindful of the privacy of the victims and avoid speculating about what might have happened.”
Appeal for Information
Bedfordshire Police have asked anyone with information about the incident, or who noticed suspicious activity on Carnoustie Drive, to come forward and contact them as the investigation continues.
