Online ReporterBongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE family of Nothabo “Zandile” Tshuma (née Khumalo), the Zimbabwean woman who was allegedly murdered alongside her two daughters in the United Kingdom, is awaiting post-mortem results as relatives gather at their Gwabalanda home in Bulawayo to mourn the tragedy.
Zandile (42) and her daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5) were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on Monday. The deaths are being investigated by British police.
Bedfordshire Police have launched an international manhunt for Zandile’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma (45), also known as Mark, who is wanted for questioning in connection with the deaths. Investigators believe he travelled from London’s Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe before the bodies were discovered.
In a statement released yesterday, the Khumalo family thanked Zimbabweans and people from around the world for the overwhelming messages of sympathy, prayers and support they have received.
“The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Zandile (Nothabo) Khumalo and her two children.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support during this devastating time,” read the statement. The family said it would not issue further comments while investigations are ongoing. “As the circumstances surrounding their passing remain under official investigation, we are unable to comment further at present.”
“We are also awaiting guidance from the relevant authorities before confirming funeral and memorial arrangements,” said the family.
Relatives also appealed to the public to respect their privacy and refrain from circulating unverified information or speculation.
British police have intensified efforts to locate Tshuma, with Detective Inspector Lee Martin saying officers are working closely with national and international law enforcement agencies.
“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 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,” he said.
In Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said it is monitoring developments and is awaiting official communication from British authorities.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said no formal request had yet been received from the United Kingdom.
“We are waiting for communication from our UK counterparts. We are monitoring the situation and the country’s points of entry,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said Zimbabwe would cooperate with international law enforcement agencies should Tshuma be located in the country.
“When caught, we shall cooperate fully as prescribed by domestic and international law,” he said.
As investigations continue, Bedfordshire Police have urged the public and the media to keep the focus on the victims.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page alongside a family photograph of Zandile and her daughters, the force shared tributes from the girls’ schools.
Nala’s head teacher at Pilgrims Pre-Prep School, Ms Jo Webster, described the five-year-old as “a little ray of sunshine” who had touched the lives of everyone around her.
She said staff had known Nala since she was seven months old and watched her grow into a cheerful, inquisitive and humorous child.
“She had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection,” said Ms Webster.
At Bedford Girls’ School, where Natalie was a Year 10 pupil, headmistress Mrs Gemma Gibson described the 15-year-old as a bright and accomplished student who was a talented dancer, musician and keen sportsperson.
She said Natalie was “fun-loving, full of life” and had a positive impact on everyone she met.
The school described the deaths of Natalie, her mother and younger sister as a devastating shock to the school community.
On its Facebook page, Bedfordshire Police said: “While so much of the media attention has been on locating the suspect in this case, it is important that the victims are kept at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”
British police have intensified efforts to locate Tshuma, with Detective Inspector Lee Martin saying officers are working closely with national and international law enforcement agencies.
“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 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,” he said.
In Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said it is monitoring developments and is awaiting official communication from British authorities.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said no formal request had yet been received from the United Kingdom.
“We are waiting for communication from our UK counterparts. We are monitoring the situation and the country’s points of entry,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said Zimbabwe would cooperate with international law enforcement agencies should Tshuma be located in the country.
“When caught, we shall cooperate fully as prescribed by domestic and international law,” he said.
As investigations continue, Bedfordshire Police have urged the public and the media to keep the focus on the victims.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page alongside a family photograph of Zandile and her daughters, the force shared tributes from the girls’ schools.
Nala’s head teacher at Pilgrims Pre-Prep School, Ms Jo Webster, described the five-year-old as “a little ray of sunshine” who had touched the lives of everyone around her.
She said staff had known Nala since she was seven months old and watched her grow into a cheerful, inquisitive and humorous child.
“She had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection,” said Ms Webster.
At Bedford Girls’ School, where Natalie was a Year 10 pupil, headmistress Mrs Gemma Gibson described the 15-year-old as a bright and accomplished student who was a talented dancer, musician and keen sportsperson.
She said Natalie was “fun-loving, full of life” and had a positive impact on everyone she met.
The school described the deaths of Natalie, her mother and younger sister as a devastating shock to the school community.
On its Facebook page, Bedfordshire Police said: “While so much of the media attention has been on locating the suspect in this case, it is important that the victims are kept at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”
