Family's 'unimaginable loss' as mum and daughters die

A family has spoken of its "unimaginable loss" after a mother and two children were found dead at their home.

The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered when police forced entry to a house in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday after reports they had not been seen for several days.

A family tribute released on Thursday 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."

Bedfordshire Police is seeking Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, also known as Mark, who left the country via Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.

The family statement, issued by police, added: "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.

"We are also awaiting guidance from the relevant authorities before confirming funeral and memorial arrangements."

They said an official update will be shared as soon as further information can be released.

Bedfordshire Police has urged Tshuma to hand himself in and is working with national and international agencies to find him.

Det Insp Lee Martin said on Wednesday: "We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe."

"We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in."

He appealed directly to the suspect, saying: "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."

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