A grieving family has expressed their ‘heartfelt gratitude’ after tributes poured in for a mother and her two children who were found dead at their home.
Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found at a house near Bedford on Monday alongside their mum, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, after police forced entry into the property following reports they had not been seen for several days.
In a tribute released on Thursday, the family said: ‘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.’
The family statement, issued by police, continued: ‘Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.
‘As the circumstances surrounding their passing remain the subject of an official investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.
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‘We are also awaiting guidance from the relevant authorities before confirming funeral and memorial arrangements.’
Zandile’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma – also known as Mark – who is the father of the two girls, has been named by Bedfordshire Police as a murder suspect.
Mr Tshuma is believed to have left the country via Heathrow Airport on Saturday and is now thought to be in Zimbabwe.
In a press conference on Wednesday, DI Lee Martin urged the 45-year-old to turn himself in.
‘We know that the suspect, who we are naming today as Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, left the country on Saturday using a British passport,’ 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. Criminal investigations know 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.’
Natalie and Nala’s schools previously paid tribute to the girls, with Natalie’s school describing her as ‘full of life’ and Nala’s saying she was a ‘ray of sunshine’.
Mrs Gemma Gibson, Bedford Girls’ School’s headmistress, said of Natalie: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, Pilgrims Pre-Prep School headteacher Jo Webster said of Nala: ‘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.’
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