Triple murder suspect arrested in South Africa
South African police have arrested a man suspected of killing his wife and two daughters at their home near Bedford in the United Kingdom.
The bodies of 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 15-year-old Natalie and five-year-old Nala were discovered at the family’s residence in Great Denham on Monday.
Police said the suspect, 45-year-old Zimbabwean national Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, had travelled out of the UK through Heathrow Airport on a British passport two days before the bodies were found.
On Friday, South African authorities arrested him in Kensington, Johannesburg. The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has since authorised three charges of murder against him.
South African police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the arrest demonstrated that the country would not serve as a refuge for suspected criminals.
“This should serve as a stern warning. South Africa is not a hideout for criminals. We will trace you, we will find you and we will arrest you,” she told reporters.
The suspect is expected to appear before a South African court on Monday, after which extradition proceedings will be coordinated with UK authorities.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin of Bedfordshire Police described the arrest as the result of a rapidly progressing international investigation involving the National Crime Agency, Interpol and law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He commended the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, saying they had quickly located and arrested the suspect.
Emma Davies, Chief Crown Prosecutor at the CPS, said the decision to authorise the charges followed a thorough assessment of evidence submitted by Bedfordshire Police.
She added that the thoughts of prosecutors remain with the victims’ relatives and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Police launched the investigation after neighbours reported concerns when the family had not been seen for several days.
In a statement released through Bedfordshire Police on Thursday, a family representative expressed gratitude for the support received following the deaths.
“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 statement said.
Tributes have also been paid by the girls’ schools. Jo Webster, head teacher of Pilgrims Pre-Prep School, described five-year-old Nala as “a ray of sunshine,” while Bedford Girls’ School headteacher Gemma Gibson remembered Natalie, a Year 10 student, as a bright and talented pupil who excelled in dance, music and sports.
Source: BBC
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