Source: UK murder: Tshuma arrested in SA – herald
Bongani Ndlovu-Bulawayo Bureau
WANTED fugitive Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who fled the United Kingdom after allegedly killing his wife and two daughters, has reportedly been arrested in South Africa.
According to SABC News, Tshuma, 45, was arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime Unit working together with Interpol in Kensington, Johannesburg.
Tshuma has been the subject of an international manhunt after UK authorities named him as the prime suspect in connection with the death of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their daughters, Natalie and Nala, whose bodies were discovered at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, last week.
The report said Tshuma had fled the United Kingdom before the bodies were discovered, prompting British authorities to seek international assistance in tracing him.
Further details surrounding his arrest and possible extradition to the United Kingdom were not immediately available.
Meanwhile, the family of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (née Khumalo) and her two daughters has described the three lives lost in the United Kingdom as “precious flowers” whose future was taken away too soon.
Nothabo (42), Natalie (15) and Nala (5) were found dead in their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, earlier this week, in a case that triggered an international search for Tshuma in connection with the deaths.
Bedfordshire Police had appealed for information on Tshuma’s whereabouts after he disappeared following the incident, with British authorities saying they believe he travelled to Zimbabwe.
In a moving tribute yesterday, the family described Nothabo as a woman of strength, warmth and grace, whose greatest joy was being a mother to her two daughters.
“Words cannot begin to express the depth of our emptiness and sorrow in the face of this tragic and senseless loss of life. Three precious lives were taken far too soon, our flowers prematurely robbed of their chance to blossom,” the family said.
It described Nothabo as an intelligent, confident and dedicated professional whose commitment to her work was matched only by her devotion to her children and family.
“Nothabo was a ray of sunlight. Anyone who knew her will agree that she possessed a rare ability to light up a room with her calming presence, warmth and grace.
“She was an intelligent, confident, consummate professional whose commitment to her work was matched only by her devotion to her children and family,” said the family.
They described her as an “imbokodo” — an immovable rock — whose memory would continue to live on in their hearts.
“We will carry this ‘rock’ in our hearts always, remembering a life whose promise, beauty and potential were needlessly cut short,” they said.
Natalie was remembered as a gentle and thoughtful young woman who was on the threshold of adulthood.
“An avid reader with a deep sense of loyalty, she was a fiercely intelligent young woman with a kind heart who touched all those around her,” the family said.
Five-year-old Nala was described as a joyful child whose laughter and energy brought happiness to those around her.
“Nala was a vibrant bundle of life and joy, full of curiosity, laughter and boundless energy; she brought light wherever she went. Her smile could brighten the darkest day, and her absence leaves a void that words cannot adequately describe.”
The family said they were mourning not only the three lives lost but also the dreams and memories that would never be realised.
“Nothabo, Natalie, Nala — Rest in Peace,” the family said.
Mourners are gathered at the family home in Gwabalanda, Bulawayo. The search for Tshuma had intensified after the family engaged Matrix Private Investigations to assist in tracing him.
The firm’s chief executive officer and secretary, Mr Tafadzwa Chidawa, said investigators were pursuing what he described as an “intelligent person” who appeared to have carefully calculated his movements while evading capture.
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