Police have appealed to a man suspected of killing his wife and two daughters in Bedfordshire to surrender to authorities after he reportedly left the UK and travelled to Zimbabwe. The bodies of 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, known as Zandile, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered at the family's home in Great Denham, near Bedford. Officers forced entry to the property on Carnoustie Drive on Monday after concerns were raised when the family had not been seen for several days.

Bedfordshire Police have identified 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, as the sole suspect in the investigation. On Saturday, detectives released CCTV footage showing him at Heathrow Airport before boarding a flight out of the country to Zimbabwe.

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who is leading the inquiry, issued a direct message to Tshuma, urging him to hand himself in before officers locate him through an ongoing international search operation.

He said: “Mark, I am now speaking to you directly. Unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you. Three innocent people have lost their lives in the worst possible circumstances, leaving your relatives and friends devastated. We are throwing the full weight of the law behind this investigation.”

Martin added: “Criminal investigations know no borders. We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of inquiry to track you down and we will find you. So please, do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.”

According to police, Tshuma is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage and was travelling on a UK passport.

Company records show Tshuma is listed as the director of Nexus Trove Holdings, a property business reported to hold assets exceeding £1 million. The company's latest filings indicate profits of more than £48,000 during 2024.

Investigators say multiple lines of inquiry remain active as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Martin said the investigation remained a complex and rapidly developing operation. He added: “Our thoughts are still very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as all of those who loved and knew them, at this extremely difficult time.”

Forensic teams continued their work at the property throughout the week, with several police vehicles stationed outside the home as evidence was gathered.

Carnoustie Drive is part of an affluent residential development bordering a golf course. Property records indicate the detached house was purchased in May 2024 for £1.27 million. The home reportedly features four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a swimming pool.

The driveway remained sealed off by police tape while tributes and flowers were left outside the property by members of the community.

One woman among a group paying their respects said: “We’re really sorry to lose her. She was such a gracious mother.”

Another resident, who asked not to be identified, described the tragedy as particularly shocking given that it occurred in what they considered “such a nice and safe area”.

Zandile Tshuma was an associate director at London-based Forensic Risk Alliance (FRA), where she specialised in financial crime prevention, anti-money laundering measures and regulatory compliance. Her work involved supporting international clients across sectors including financial services, manufacturing, aerospace and energy.

According to the company's website, she provided advanced data analytics services designed to support multinational investigations and reduce financial crime risks. A spokesperson for FRA declined to comment on the case.

Before joining FRA, Tshuma worked at KPMG, where she assisted major banks and energy companies in monitoring communications involving high-risk traders and identifying potential compliance concerns.

Police continue to appeal for information from the public. Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy urged anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area to contact investigators.

He said: “I would ask anyone who may have information about this incident, or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in Carnoustie Drive, particularly on Friday and Saturday, to please come forward to police as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.” Murphy also appealed for sensitivity while the investigation continues.

He added: “I would also ask people to be mindful of the privacy of the victims and avoid speculating about what might have happened.”