The inquests into the deaths of a mother and her two daughters at a home in Great Denham, Bedford, have opened this week as police and prosecutors continue a live criminal investigation.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, together with her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead at the family address on Carnoustie Drive after concerns were raised when they were not seen for several days.
How the case came to light
According to court and police records presented at the inquest hearing, Bedfordshire Police received a welfare report on 6 July from a family member who said they had been unable to contact Zandile and would usually speak to her daily. Enquiries showed that neither child had attended school that day.
Officers attended the property in the early hours of 7 July. After searching the home they located the three bodies. The initial circumstances were treated as suspicious and detectives launched a murder inquiry.
“Natalie had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with,”
The coroner’s initial recorded causes of death cite head injuries. The coroner gave the cause of death for Zandile as 1a head injuries; the causes for both Natalie and Nala were recorded as blunt force head injuries.
Police and prosecution action
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised three murder charges against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, identified as the husband and father. He was arrested in South Africa on 10 July. Records show he left the UK via Heathrow Airport on 4 July using a British passport. He has since appeared before a South African court and legal work is under way to arrange his return to the UK to face the charges.
- Victims: Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), Natalie (15), Nala (5)
- Location: Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, Bedford
- Investigation status: Murder investigation ongoing; suspect arrested overseas
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 4 July | Suspect left UK via Heathrow |
| 6 July | Welfare concern reported to Bedfordshire Police |
| 7 July | Bodies discovered; murder inquiry opened |
| 10 July | Suspect arrested in South Africa |
The case has reverberated locally. School and community statements have paid tribute to Natalie’s character, describing her as bright and well liked by classmates. Bedfordshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service are continuing enquiries and legal steps to bring the suspect back to the UK remain in progress.
Further updates are expected as the inquest proceeds and as extradition or return arrangements are concluded. Anyone with information relevant to the police investigation is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police through their usual channels.
Ethan Hall, InfoRadar
