Around 2 000 people gathered in Zimbabwe on Tuesday to bid farewell to a mother and her two daughters who were murdered in their Bedford home in the United Kingdom last month, as the husband accused of the killings remains in custody in South Africa facing firearm charges and extradition proceedings.

The bodies of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42) and her daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5) arrived in Bulawayo, the couple’s hometown, on Monday following their repatriation from the United Kingdom. The funeral service took place on 4 August at The Brethren in Christ Church, where their coffins were draped in white.

The service was at times tense, with representatives from both families present. Nothabo’s uncle, Ntsika Dakamela, criticised the media coverage of the killings, saying it had not been sensitive to the grieving families.

“It is a difficult time for both families,” said a relative of the 45-year-old suspect in South African custody.

The three were laid to rest at Luveve Cemetery in Bulawayo.

Flight to South Africa and arrest in Kensington

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, fled Britain via Heathrow Airport on 4 July, two days before police discovered the bodies at the family’s £1.3-million home in Great Denham, near Bedford.

Police made the grim discovery on 6 July after relatives raised concerns when they could not reach the family. A post-mortem examination revealed that all three victims died from blunt force head injuries.

Tshuma travelled to South Africa via Dubai, briefly visited Zimbabwe, then returned to Johannesburg where a multi-disciplinary team comprising the South African Police Service and Interpol arrested him in the Kensington suburb on 10 July.

At the time of his arrest, police found him in possession of an unlicensed 9mm firearm and ammunition. Authorities alleged he intended to use the weapon to take his own life.

Court appearances and extradition proceedings

The Crown Prosecution Service in the UK has authorised three charges of murder against Tshuma. However, South African officials have stated that he must first stand trial for the firearm offence in South Africa before any extradition can proceed.

Tshuma appeared at Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 July where he abandoned his bail application and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for 27 August to address both the firearm charge and the extradition request from UK authorities.

The court postponed the matter to allow for the completion of ballistic investigations and the submission of outstanding statements. He has also been declared an illegal fugitive under South African immigration law.

Remembering the victims

Nothabo Tshuma was remembered by her family, the Khumalos, as a trailblazer, dedicated homemaker, and accomplished professional who held senior positions in her workplace. Relatives described her as a woman of discipline, integrity, and humility.

Natalie was described as an intelligent, gentle young woman who loved sports, music, and her schoolwork, while five-year-old Nala was remembered as being full of infectious joy, life, and energy. Both daughters were born in the United Kingdom.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct in the UK has launched an investigation into prior contact police had with the family, following a mandatory referral by Bedfordshire Police.

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