A British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, has been arrested in South Africa and charged with three counts of murder over the deaths of his wife and two daughters in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges shortly after Tshuma was arrested in Johannesburg on Friday.
The victims, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, after police forced entry following concerns that the family had not been seen for several days.
Bedfordshire Police had launched an international manhunt after CCTV footage showed the suspect leaving the UK on his British passport.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Emma Davies said the CPS approved the charges after reviewing evidence submitted by Bedfordshire Police.
“Our thoughts remain with Zandile, Natalie and Nala’s loved ones and with everyone affected by what has happened,” she said.
The South African Police Service said Tshuma was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg, following a joint operation involving the SAPS Interpol National Central Bureau, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
According to SAPS, intelligence-led policing enabled officers to trace and apprehend the fugitive.
Acting National Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane, said the arrest underscored South Africa’s commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.
“This arrest demonstrates that South Africa is not a safe haven for fugitives. Anyone who believes they can evade justice by fleeing to our country should know that SAPS will work tirelessly with international law enforcement partners to trace, locate and arrest them,” Dimpane said.
The suspect is expected to appear before a South African court on Monday.
Meanwhile, Bedfordshire Police confirmed that the process to extradite Tshuma to the United Kingdom has begun.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin described the case as a fast-moving international investigation involving Bedfordshire Police, the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
He said investigators would continue working with international partners to return the suspect to the UK to face trial.
The victims’ family, in a statement released through the police, thanked members of the public for their support during what they described as “this time of unimaginable loss,” saying the kindness shown had given them strength.
