By Ziyah News Network
FUGITIVE Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma (45), a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife and two daughters in the United Kingdom, has been arrested in Johannesburg South Africa.
This follows a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Interpol.
Tshuma, who is also known as Mark, allegedly fled Britain through London Heathrow Airport on Saturday, two days before the bodies of his wife, Zandile Tshuma (42), and daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5) were discovered at the family’s home in Bedford, central England, after concerns were raised over their welfare.
British authorities had launched an international manhunt after CCTV footage captured Tshuma passing through Heathrow Airport carrying luggage and travel documents before boarding a flight out of the country.
According to Bedfordshire Police, investigators believed Tshuma had travelled to Southern Africa, triggering cooperation between British authorities, Interpol and South African law enforcement agencies.
SAPS confirmed on Friday evening that Tshuma had been arrested in Johannesburg and was found in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.
South African authorities are now investigating whether the weapon was brought into the country legally and whether any offences were committed relating to its possession.
Bedfordshire Police had earlier appealed directly to Tshuma to surrender himself, warning that “criminal investigations know no borders” and that international agencies were working together to track him down.
The case has attracted significant attention in both the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe, where the family is understood to have originated.
Friends and acquaintances of the family told British media that the couple had reportedly been experiencing marital difficulties and were in the process of separating.
Zandile, a respected financial crime specialist and anti-money laundering expert, had built a successful career in banking and consulting after studying at Midlands State University in Zimbabwe.
Tshuma, an experienced information technology professional who reportedly earned more than £100,000 annually as a senior IT manager, studied at Solusi University in Zimbabwe before furthering his studies in the United Kingdom.
The family had lived in Bedford since 2011 and were regarded by neighbours as a successful and well-respected family.
Tshuma is expected to appear in a South African court on Monday as authorities in South Africa and the United Kingdom continue to engage over the case.