Police have released the image of a man wanted in connection with the triple murder in Great Denham as tributes have been paid to the three people found dead
A tragic mum and two girls have been pictured for the first time after police released an image of a man wanted in connection with the deaths of a woman and two children as tributes were paid to the tragic trio.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her children were found after officers forced their way into a £1.3million house in Great Denham near Bedford on Monday.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man wanted in connection with the deaths. Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who also goes by the name of Mark, aged 45 and from Bedford, is believed to have left the country from Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday (4 July). He is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, police believe them to be his wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and his daughters Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala.
A family friend said her daughter was best friends with the youngest victim and described the suspected murders as “incomprehensible”. Speaking about the child victims, she said: “Both of them – they were amazing.”

Asked if she knew of any problems in the family, the woman said she could not comment. She added: “I am shocked.” Police reportedly had to force entry into the property after concerns were raised about the trio who had not been seen for several days.

Mrs Gemma Gibson, headmistress of Bedford Girls’ School, paid tribute to Natalie Tshuma, saying: “Natalie was a bright and accomplished Year 10 student who was dearly loved by everyone at Bedford Girls’ School.

“She was a talented dancer, musician and keen sportswoman. She was fun loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with; she will be remembered with warmth and affection.

“Her tragic death, together with that of her loving mother and younger sister, who were also well known to many of us, is a hugely devastating shock to all at Bedford Girls’ School and the wider Harpur Trust group of schools. Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie’s wider family, friends and all of those impacted by this terrible news.

“Our focus remains on supporting our students, families and colleagues; we ask for privacy to allow us time to mourn our loss and support our community in private. When the time is right, we will come together as a community to remember Natalie. As this is still an ongoing police investigation, so we will not be commenting further. ”
Pilgrims Pre-Prep School, near Brickhill, Bedford, also confirmed a pupil was a victim.

Jo Webster, headteacher of the Pilgrims pre-prep school paid tribute to Nala saying: “Nala was a much-loved member of our school community and brought joy to those around her every day.

“Many of our staff had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow. She was a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humour.

“Whether she was proudly wearing one of her favourite colourful hair accessories, making those around her laugh or taking centre stage in our Pre-School Nativity, Nala brought warmth and happiness wherever she went.

“She was kind, caring and affectionate, with a huge smile that brightened every room and hugs that made everyone feel special. For such a little person, she had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Nala’s family, friends and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss. Our priority remains the wellbeing of our pupils, families and colleagues. We kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve and support one another during this difficult period. This is still an ongoing police investigation, so we will not be commenting further.”

Detective Inspector Lee Martin, senior investigating officer, said: “We have been carrying out numerous lines of enquiry as part of this fast-paced, complex investigation. We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe. ”
He added: “We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in. Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you, and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated. Criminal investigation knows no borders. We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of enquiry to track you down. “Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities. 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.”

Family friend Leonard, 73, told the Mirror: “They were a lovely family. I am shocked. You don’t expect things like this to happen.”

Talking of Mrs Tshuma, he said: “She was a beautiful kind woman. She worked in IT in London. He worked in IT as well in London. They associated with everyone else. They moved to this house maybe two or three years ago.”
Andrew Southam, who services the family’s swimming pool, said Mr and Mrs Tshuma were going through a divorce. The 64-year-old said he last saw Mr Tshuma at 1pm on Friday, when he came to carry out a check-up of the pool.He said: “I knew them very well, and met Mark every two weeks. He was a lovely guy, always smiling, very polite, spoke well.“I saw Mark on Friday. He was fine. He was looking forward to his daughter’s sports day and praying that the weather would hold out, because previous sports days had been cancelled. So he was really looking forward to that.“I think he was a brilliant father. He doted on his kids, you could see that. When I was around, he was very nice to his children. A nice family, a very nice man.”

He added: “They had an agent in to value the property as they were getting a divorce. I hadn’t noticed any arguments or anything. They are both very successful people.

“I’ve been in touch with police as I was at the house. When I left, everything was normal. I’m heartbroken. Lovely family, lovely kids.”

Mrs Tshuma’s husband Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who goes by the name Mark, reportedly bought the detached house two years ago for £1.3 million by Tshuma – who has a degree in Computing Informatics from the University of Plymouth – has a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

It is understood both he and his wife were originally from Zimbabwe, while the children were born in the UK.
ACC Murphy added: “We are committing all necessary resources to establish what has happened and to find the person responsible. We have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”

He said there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, but added: “We will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.”

He asked for anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, on Friday or Saturday to come forward.

source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/triple-murder-house-denham-police-37403171