A man wanted by police investigating the deaths of a woman and her two young daughters in Bedfordshire has been arrested in South Africa following an international manhunt. The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, was detained in Johannesburg after authorities worked alongside international law enforcement agencies to track his movements across multiple countries.

The arrest comes after the bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, her 15-year-old daughter Natalie and five-year-old daughter Nala were discovered at a property in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on 6 July.

South African police confirmed the breakthrough on Friday, revealing that officers had located and arrested the suspect with assistance from Interpol.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said investigators acted quickly to trace the wanted man after he entered South Africa.

"Within a matter of hours," she said, authorities were able to locate him in the Kensington area of Johannesburg.

She added: "Let this be a stern warning to criminals across the world that South Africa is not a hiding place for fugitives."

According to Bedfordshire Police, Tshuma left the UK two days before the bodies were discovered. Investigators believe he travelled from Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe before later making his way to South Africa.

Police have confirmed that the suspect is a British citizen with Zimbabwean heritage.

The arrest follows a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to authorise charges against the 45-year-old in connection with the deaths.

Bedfordshire Police said they are now working with international partners to secure his return to the UK, where he is expected to face legal proceedings.

In a statement released after the arrest, the force said investigators believe Tshuma travelled to South Africa from Zimbabwe after leaving Britain.

Officials added that arrangements are now being made to extradite him back to the UK.

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who is leading the investigation, described the case as both shocking and deeply tragic.

"Working alongside international partners, 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," he said.

"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."

He added that detectives remain focused on securing justice for the victims and their loved ones.

"Our thoughts remain very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as their loved ones, at this time," he said.

The deaths have sent shockwaves through the local community, with tributes continuing to pour in for the mother and her daughters.

Following the discovery of their bodies, a statement issued on behalf of the Khumalo family described the devastation they are facing.

"The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile (Nothabo) Khumalo and her two children," the statement read.

The family also thanked members of the public for their support during what they described as an incredibly difficult period.

"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."

The suspect is expected to appear before a South African court on Monday as authorities begin the legal process that could see him extradited to the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Bedfordshire Police have confirmed that inquiries remain ongoing as detectives continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.

‍