Category: Bedford

Universal’s first UK theme park opens in Bedfordshire in 2031.£1.3bn government-backed investment will transform the site into a major entertainment resort.A 500-room hotel, shopping, dining and rides will form part of the destination.Thousands of jobs and almost £50bn in economic benefits are expected by 2055Universal United Kingdom Resort is set to become Universal’s first major theme park destination in the UK, marking one of the biggest investments ever made in the British tourism industry.Backed by a £1.3 bn government investment, the ambitious project will transform a site in Bedfordshire, just 45 minutes from London, into a world-class entertainment resort featuring a state-of-the-art theme park, a 500-room hotel, and a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district.Expected to open in 2031, the resort is forecast to welcome millions of visitors each year, create thousands of jobs, and deliver almost £50bn in economic benefits by 2055.With rumours linking the park to major franchises such as The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Paddington, and Doctor Who, excitement is already building.Read on for everything you need to know about the Universal United Kingdom Resort, including its location, possible attractions, themed lands, and what visitors can expect when the gates finally open.Universal United Kingdom Resort will transform a site in Bedfordshire into a world-class entertainment resortWhere is Universal United Kingdom Resort located?In 2023, Universal Destinations and Experiences confirmed plans for a UK theme park in Bedfordshire.In August that year, the company bought 480 acres of land in Stewartby, acquiring the site of a former brickworks, located roughly halfway between Bedford and Milton Keynes.The company initially considered developing the proposed theme park on the edge of Milton Keynes. However, because “commercially acceptable terms could not be agreed”, it selected the Bedford site instead.Universal also undertook a four-week public engagement programme in 2023, during which it met with nearly 1,500 people at public events and engaged with almost 100 local organisations.Universal Destinations & Experiences said that 92 per cent of the 6,000 people surveyed supported its proposal for a UK theme park.In a letter dated 9 May and published on the project website, Universal said it is “incredibly appreciative of the very warm welcome we received and have been delighted by the enthusiasm and overwhelmingly positive responses provided throughout the public engagement period”.Proposed site for the new Universal United Kingdom Resort in the UK, set to open in 2031When will Universal United Kingdom Resort open?Universal United Kingdom Resort is scheduled to open in 2031. The project received planning permission in December 2025 after Universal’s parent company, Comcast, sought approval via a Special Development Order (SDO), a mechanism that allows the UK government to approve major developments directly, bypassing the normal local planning process. The SDO took legal effect on 12 January 2026.In June 2026, Bedford Borough Council confirmed that on-site work had started begun, marking the start of the resort’s development.In 2025, Mark Woodbury, chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said Universal aims to launch the UK park in 2031, provided the planning, design and construction process goes smoothly.”We have had 18,000 people register on our app to come and work for us, 2,000 vendors in the marketplace that want to be part of this development,” he said at the time.”So our hope is that that process will go very smoothly, but parks are complicated organisms”Woodbury acknowledged that the project could face delays due to infrastructure challenges but said: “We think we have a pretty good handle on it at this point”.Universal United Kingdom Resort is scheduled to open in 2031 and will feature some of Europe’s tallest ridesWhat attractions feature at Universal United Kingdom Resort?Woodbury spoke about the park’s design in 2025, saying: “It’s a full-blown Universal theme park with a 500-room hotel that is part of it, very much like Epic in terms of a park with a hotel.””We’ve created a different mix of attractions that we think will work great in the UK,” he added.”The UK destination’s main product is Universal and its Universal-branded IPs,” Woodbury said, adding that it will be “very unique culturally; you have to pay close attention to that”.As for the intellectual property that could feature at the new park, the rumour mill is currently focused on potential deals involving The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Paddington, and Doctor Who, with all four franchises widely speculated to be under discussion.Planning documents published in 2025 revealed that the proposed UK theme park could feature Europe’s tallest rides.According to a BBC report, planning documents submitted by Universal state that the resort could include structures up to 115 metres tall, including rides.”The reason for proposing structures up to this maximum height is to allow the proposed theme park to compete with other attractions in Europe,” Universal said.”Although the Universal Orlando Resort does not currently have attractions up to this height, taller attractions are more common in Europe, where rides need to be taller to create the experience, as space is more constrained.”Building attractions that are higher, rather than over greater areas, also makes the best use of land which is in line with planning policy.”Describing what guests can expect, Universal said the resort will feature “adrenaline-pumping coasters” and “mind-blowing spectaculars”, where visitors will “come face-to-face with incredible creatures, heroes, and villains”.The company added: “They’ll discover great food, new laughs, new ways to play, and step into immersive worlds they’ve only ever dreamed of.”Rumoured IP at Universal United Kingdom includes The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Paddington, and Doctor WhoGetting to Universal United Kingdom ResortAs part of one of the largest investments in the UK tourism sector, the UK government and Comcast NBCUniversal agreed a deal to develop the entertainment resort complex, supported by a £1.3 billion government investment in regional and local infrastructure and transport improvements.This funding will enhance transport links and accessibility for residents and visitors from across the UK and overseas, helping ensure the resort can operate successfully while delivering wider connectivity benefits to local communities.According to a government press release, the Department for Transport is proceeding with plans to upgrade the strategic road and rail network on the A421 and at Wixams station, providing greater resilience and improved connectivity within the region, at an expected cost of £474 million.Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.”Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit — improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.”We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain.”Wixams, on the Thameslink route, will be the nearest station to the resort, while a new East West Rail station at Stewartby is also planned and is expected to come into service in the early 2030s.According to East West Rail (ERW), the new railway station at Stewartby will serve Universal’s planned UK theme park in Bedfordshire within the destination’s “first few years”.In addition to the new stations, Universal will initially provide shuttle bus services from Milton Keynes when the new theme park opens.East West Railway Company CEO David Hughes said: “These updated proposals mark a major step forward for East West Rail to help ensure communities see the benefits of the project sooner as we finalise the design.”By bringing forward key elements of the railway and planning for increased demand, we are helping to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support future growth and opportunities for our communities.”Universal United Kingdom Resort will build on the launches of its Beijing resort, Epic Universe, and Universal Kids ResortWhy is Universal coming to the UK?Universal’s decision to build a theme park in the UK began over three years ago as part of a wider global expansion strategy.After strong performance across its existing resorts following the pandemic, the company began seeking opportunities in regions where it lacked a major presence. Europe stood out as the biggest gap in its portfolio, with Disney dominating the market through Disneyland Paris, which remains the continent’s most-visited theme park destination and one of Disney’s most successful international resorts.Universal had reportedly explored options elsewhere in Europe, including speculation over a return to Spain’s PortAventura World, but ultimately turned its attention to the UK.The Bedfordshire resort will continue the company’s recent growth trajectory, following the opening of Universal Beijing Resort in 2021, Epic Universe in Orlando in 2025 and Universal Kids Resort in Texas in 2026, giving the company a foothold in one of Europe’s largest tourism and entertainment markets.Universal United Kingdom follows the opening of Universal Beijing, Epic Universe and Universal Kids ResortRegister interest for Universal UKIn 2025, Universal Destinations & Experiences invited businesses to express interest in supplying goods and services for its proposed theme park and resort near Bedford.Companies can submit their details via an online registration form to be considered for future opportunities linked to the project.The form says: “Should the project receive planning consent, it is expected that there will be a significant number of opportunities for businesses created across a range of different sectors.”We’re committed to advertising these to local businesses and will engage with the community at the appropriate time.”The registration page also noted that “it may be some time before these opportunities become available”.Images courtesy of Universal

Credit: X / @LopangAlamuAn IT consultant suspected of murdering his entire family at their Bedfordshire home has been arrested by police in South Africa, The Telegraph can reveal.Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark Tshuma, left the UK on Saturday, two days before the bodies of his wife and two daughters were discovered.Police mounted an international manhunt for Mr Tshuma and Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest.The 45-year-old initially fled to Dubai from Heathrow airport on July 4, then took a second flight to Johannesburg.The Telegraph understands that Mr Tshuma then travelled to his native Zimbabwe but returned to South Africa shortly afterwards. Police apprehended him in Kensington, Johannesburg, on Friday.Mr Tshuma’s wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, and his daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead at their £1.3m home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, on Monday.Andrew Southam, who services the family’s swimming pool, said Mrs Tshuma was in the process of divorcing her husband.CCTV footage from Saturday was released by Bedfordshire Police, showing Mr Tshuma at Heathrow, clutching his boarding pass and pushing a dark blue suitcase.South Africa shares an extradition treaty with the UK and it is expected that Mr Tshuma will be brought back to Britain for questioning and potential charges.The manhunt for Mr Tshuma lasted five days, with his wife’s family turning to a private investigation company in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital, to locate him.Mr Tshuma’s mother, Patricia Tshuma, who lives in a modest home on the outskirts of Bulawayo, declined to comment on the investigation to find her son when approached by The Telegraph. “I will only talk to the relevant departments,” she said.The family’s home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, a four-bedroom property – Jacob King/PAMrs Tshuma, who was born and educated in Zimbabwe, emigrated to the UK in 2011.She worked as an analyst for a care home service and later in senior anti-fraud roles for Barclays and KPMG. Her last role was as an associate director for the Forensic Risk Alliance.A family spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life, a young, beautiful family that has needlessly lost their lives and future. We are all grappling to make sense of this tragedy, I don’t know if it will ever be possible for us to find closure.”Mr Tshuma owns and runs Nexus Trove Holdings, a property business, from his address in Great Denham, according to Companies House.The most recent filings showed that the business had more than £1m in assets at the end of 2024. The firm made a £48,277 profit that year.According to Rightmove, the family’s house was bought for £1.27m in May 2024, and has a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms.Both girls were privately educated. Natalie attended Bedford Girls’ School while Nala was at Pilgrims Pre-Prep School.‘A shocking and tragic case’A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said Mr Tshuma had been remanded in custody and “work is now under way to return him to the UK”.Det Insp Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, said: “This has been a fast-moving investigation which has involved multiple law enforcement partners, including the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.“Thanks to the tireless work and dedication of all those involved, we have managed to swiftly locate and arrest Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who we want to speak to in connection with this shocking and tragic case.“Our investigation remains ongoing and we’ll be working closely with our counterparts in South Africa, as well as the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring him back to this country.“Our thoughts remain very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as their loved ones, at this time.”Mr Tshuma has been charged with three counts of murder and will appear in court in South Africa on Monday.

A man accused of a triple-murder in Bedfordshire has been caught and hauled into a court in South Africa. Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, has been accused of killing his wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, in Great Denham. Mr Tshuma – a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage – was arrested by South African officers in Johannesburg on Friday with support from Interpol. After he was snared, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised three murder charges against him, with South African authorities also accusing him of illegal possession of a firearm – which carries a sentence of up to 15 years in the country. The bodies of Mrs Tshuma and her daughters were discovered on July 6, with a post-mortem examination determining their cause of death as blunt force trauma. The 45-year-old appeared at Johannesburg Central District Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was seen with “bloodshot eyes” and appeared “incredibly distressed”, according to Sky News Africa. The South African court will determine whether he should be extradited back to Britain to face his charges.Although the two countries have an extradition treaty in place, South African law requires all suspects to appear before domestic courts before being sent to another country. Mr Tshuma – a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage – was arrested by South African officers in Johannesburg on Friday | REUTERSAuthorities are still determining whether Mr Tshuma – who was remanded into custody – is in the country illegally. Following his arrest, a South African police spokeswoman said: “According to our investigation, after landing in South Africa on July 5, he then went to ⁠one of the townships and he bought this particular unlicensed firearm.”She confirmed that British authorities have submitted a provisional extradition request, however, a full document has not yet been handed over.The spokeswoman said that Mr Tshuma’s relatives in South Africa played a “very pivotal role” in the murder suspect’s capture. The bodies of Mrs Tshuma and her daughters were discovered on July 6 | BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE”His family did not harbour him,” she stressed. The 45-year-old is said to have fled Britain roughly 48 hours before the bodies of his wife and her daughters were discovered.In a statement following their deaths, relatives said: “The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile [Nothabo] Khumalo and her two children.”During this time of unimaginable loss, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort, and support.The 45-year-old is said to have fled Britain roughly 48 hours before the bodies of his wife and her daughters were discovered | BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE”Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”Following the suspect’s arrest, Detective Inspector Lee Martin, senior investigating officer at Bedfordshire Police, said: “This has been a fast-moving investigation which has involved multiple law enforcement partners, including the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.“Thanks to the tireless work and dedication of all those involved, we have managed to swiftly locate and arrest Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who we want to speak to in connection with this shocking and tragic case.“Our investigation remains ongoing and we’ll be working closely with our counterparts in South Africa, as well as the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring him back to this country.“Our thoughts remain very much with Zandile, Natalie and Nala, as well as their loved ones, at this time.”

Post-Mortem Reveals How Ndodana Tshuma’s Wife And Daughters Died
The cause of death of Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma’s wife and two young daughters has been officially revealed following post-mortem examinations carried out in the United Kingdom.
Authorities confirmed on Monday, 13 July 2026, that Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, all died from blunt-force trauma after their bodies were discovered at their Bedfordshire home on 6 July.
Post-Mortem Confirms Blunt-Force Trauma
Bedfordshire Police said the post-mortem examinations established that all three victims died from blunt-force trauma.
Blunt-force trauma is a medical term used to describe severe injuries caused by a forceful impact from a hard object or surface. Unlike stab wounds or gunshot wounds, the injuries are caused by powerful blows that do not pierce the body. Police have not disclosed what object, if any, may have been involved.
The bodies of Zandile and her daughters were found at their £1.3 million home after concerns were raised when they had not been seen for several days.
The forensic examinations were conducted under the direction of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit as investigators continue building their case.
Police Urge Public Not To Speculate
Following the release of the post-mortem findings, Bedfordshire Police urged the public to avoid speculation while criminal proceedings continue.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, said:
“This case has attracted a huge amount of media coverage and we are aware of international reports circulating which contain some speculation about this case.”
He added:
“With three murder charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, proceedings around this case remain active and we are not able to provide any further detail at this stage.”
Martin said investigators would continue working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and international partners as the investigation progresses.
Suspect Remains In Custody
The release of the post-mortem results came on the same day Ndodana Tshuma appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court in South Africa after his arrest last week.
South African Police Service (SAPS) said he was arrested during an operation involving Interpol, Crime Intelligence and the Organised Crime Investigation Unit. British prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against the 45-year-old, while the process to return him to the UK is underway.
The latest post-mortem findings provide the clearest official account yet of how Zandile Tshuma and her daughters died, although investigators have stressed that further details will only emerge through the court process.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma Denied Bail In SA On Firearms Charges
Zimbabwean national Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma has been denied bail in South Africa after appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on firearms-related charges, while also facing extradition proceedings linked to the alleged murders of his wife and two children in the United Kingdom.
The matter was postponed to 22 July 2026, with authorities saying they still need to verify his legal status in South Africa. Reports indicate that a provisional extradition request has already been received from the UK.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma Remains Behind Bars As Court Postpones Case
Court proceedings on Monday, 13 July 2026, dealt with two separate matters involving Tshuma. One relates to the alleged possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in South Africa, while the second concerns the UK’s request for his extradition.
Speaking outside court, journalist Linda Mnisi of Newzroom Afrika reported that Tshuma’s legal representative was not seeking bail.
“The extradition matter has also been postponed to the 22nd of July for the same reasons. His legal representative told the court they would not be applying for bail for now.”
Earlier, SABC News reported that the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court had postponed the matter involving the Zimbabwean national until 22 July 2026.

[WATCH]
UK fugitive Mark Tshuma appeared with bloodshot eyes in court on charges of possessing an unlicensed firearm. The matter has been postponed to 22 July for the verification of his legal status.
Journalists are now moving to another courtroom, where he will be appearing… pic.twitter.com/BW9nvOtCHy
— Linda Mnisi (@LindA_MniSii) July 13, 2026

UK Murder Allegations And Extradition Request
South African police say they have already received a provisional extradition request from the United Kingdom, where Tshuma is wanted in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5). British prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against him.
According to Reuters, police believe Tshuma acquired an unlicensed firearm after arriving in South Africa and are investigating where it came from.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe previously said investigators are following leads regarding the firearm.
“Police believe the firearm was acquired for the purpose of ending his life. They are now following up leads on who could have sold him the gun.”
Reuters also reported that South African authorities allege the firearm may have been bought after his arrival in the country and that investigations are continuing.
What Happens Next?
The firearms case and the extradition proceedings have both been postponed until 22 July 2026. Authorities are expected to continue verifying Tshuma’s immigration status while the UK pursues its extradition request. South African authorities have indicated that the local firearms case will proceed before any extradition process is concluded.
The investigation in both South Africa and the United Kingdom remains ongoing.

New Details Emerge on Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma’s Escape Route After UK Family Murders
Fresh details have emerged on how triple murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma left the United Kingdom, travelling through Dubai and Zimbabwe before he was eventually arrested in South Africa.
Tshuma, 45, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage, allegedly fled the UK shortly after the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Khumalo, 42, and their two daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5.
Bedfordshire Police said Tshuma left London Heathrow on Saturday, 4 July, using a British passport before making his way through several countries.
Also Read: Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma Arrested In SA After Allegedly Killing Wife And Daughters In UK
Police Trace International Movements
According to Detective Inspector Lee Martin from the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Major Crime Unit, Tshuma travelled from the UK to Dubai before flying to Johannesburg.
He later crossed from South Africa into Zimbabwe before returning to South Africa, where authorities tracked him down.
“Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday, flying to Dubai and then on to Johannesburg. He then crossed from South Africa and then into Zimbabwe,” Martin said.
Police later confirmed that he travelled from Zimbabwe back into South Africa before his arrest.
Arrest Follows International Manhunt
Tshuma was eventually located at a property in Kensington, Johannesburg, where he was arrested by the South African Police Service’s Organised Crime Unit working alongside Interpol.
The arrest was made shortly after Interpol issued a Red Notice for him.
South African authorities also confirmed that Tshuma was found with an unauthorised firearm during the operation.
Murder Charges Approved
The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised three murder charges against Tshuma following the deaths of his wife and daughters.
Their bodies were discovered at the family home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, leading to the launch of a murder investigation.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Emma Davies said the charges were approved after a review of evidence provided by Bedfordshire Police.
Authorities Work on Return to UK
Tshuma remains in custody in South Africa as British authorities work with their international counterparts to bring him back to the UK.
Detective Inspector Martin thanked law enforcement agencies in South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as Interpol and the National Crime Agency, for their assistance in locating the suspect.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have urged the public not to share information that could affect Tshuma’s right to a fair trial.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, the 45-year-old fugitive wanted by Interpol for the alleged murder of his wife and two children in the UK, is expected to be extradited once the necessary documents are signed by justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.Tshuma, who is a Zimbabwean, was arrested five days after entering South Africa following a tip-off from an individual believed to be a family member.He had been placed on Interpol’s Red Notice on Thursday and was traced within hours of the international alert being issued.He was handcuffed and led into a police van on Friday evening.Speaking at an interministerial briefing in Pretoria, Kubayi commended the collaboration between the SAPS and Interpol, which led to the arrest.“He arrived, according to our movement control system, at OR Tambo International Airport on July 5 from Britain. “Once we received the alert from Interpol, we acted swiftly. A multidisciplinary team conducted tracing operations, and the suspect was arrested in Kensington, Johannesburg,” she said.Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters Nala, 5, and Natalie, 15, who were allegedly murdered by her husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma. Picture: (Bedfordshire Police) Kubayi said Tshuma had not yet been flagged by British authorities when he entered South Africa through OR Tambo International Airport.“If he had been flagged, he would not have entered the country. He will be extradited to the UK once I have signed all the extradition documents and requests, as required by law in my capacity as minister of justice and constitutional development.“We are informed that the teams are working around the clock to ensure that the extradition request and all the necessary paperwork are completed on time,” she said.Bedfordshire Police in the UK had been searching for Tshuma after the bodies of his wife, 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their two daughters, 15-year-old Natalie and five-year-old Nala, were found at their home near Bedford earlier this month.Sowetan

A Zimbabwean-born British man accused of killing his wife and two daughters has been arrested in Johannesburg.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, also known as Mark, was detained by South African police and Interpol.

Authorities arrested him on Friday night in Kensington, Johannesburg, following an international manhunt.

South African officials said investigators located him through “swift operational coordination and intelligence-led policing”.

Police also confirmed that Tshuma had a firearm when officers apprehended him.

He is expected to appear before a Johannesburg court on Monday as extradition steps continue.

Police launch international investigation after family deaths

Tshuma faces allegations of murdering his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their two daughters.

The victims were Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, who were found dead at their home.

Police discovered their bodies in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday.

The discovery followed concerns from relatives and neighbours after the family went several days without being seen.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has approved three murder charges against Tshuma.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed that Tshuma remains in custody in South Africa.

Officers are now working on procedures to bring him back to the United Kingdom.

Authorities track suspect after international appeal

Investigators believe Tshuma travelled from Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe last Saturday.

He allegedly used a British passport for the journey, shortly before the bodies were discovered.

Following his disappearance, detectives launched a global appeal for information.

Bedfordshire Police worked alongside several agencies to locate the suspect.

Det Insp Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, said the case required “multiple law enforcement partners”.

The operation included the National Crime Agency, Interpol, and authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

A man has been charged with murdering his wife and two young daughters after being arrested in South Africa following an international manhunt.The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had authorised three counts of murder against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, after he was arrested on Friday in Kensington, a suburb of Johannesburg.Tshuma’s wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, who was known as Zandile, and the couple’s daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday after concerns were raised that the family had not been seen for several days.Emma Davies, the chief crown prosecutor, said: “This comes after the careful review of evidence provided by Bedfordshire police. Our thoughts remain with Zandile, Natalie and Nala’s loved ones and with everyone affected by what has happened.”Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, Nala, five, and Natalie, 15, were found dead at their home on Monday. Photograph: Bedfordshire police/PADavies said criminal proceedings were now active and urged people not to publish or share material that could prejudice the defendant’s right to a fair trial.Bedfordshire police said Tshuma, a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage who is also known as Mark, had been remanded in custody in South Africa while arrangements were made to return him to the UK.South African police said he had been traced and arrested through “swift operational coordination and intelligence-led policing”. He is due to appear before a court in Johannesburg on Monday.Det Insp Lee Martin, the senior investigating officer, said the inquiry had involved “multiple law enforcement partners”, including the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.“Thanks to the tireless work and dedication of all those involved, we have managed to swiftly locate and arrest Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who we want to speak to in connection with this shocking and tragic case,” Martin said.“Our investigation remains ongoing and we’ll be working closely with our counterparts in South Africa, as well as the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring him back to this country.”Before his arrest, police believed Tshuma had flown from Heathrow to Zimbabwe on Saturday, two days before the bodies of his wife and daughters were discovered. Detectives had issued an international appeal to locate him.Tributes have been paid to the three victims by relatives, schools and colleagues.In a statement released through Bedfordshire police, members of the Khumalo family – Zandile Tshuma’s birth surname – said they were “deeply saddened” by the deaths.“During this time of unimaginable loss, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out with prayers, messages of comfort, and support,” they said. “Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”Nala’s headteacher described the five-year-old as “a little ray of sunshine”, while Bedford Girls’ school said Natalie was a “bright and accomplished” pupil who was “dearly loved by everyone”.Zandile’s employer, Forensic Risk Alliance, said her colleagues were “heartbroken”, describing her as a “much-loved and valued member” of staff whose warmth and kindness would be deeply missed.

Operation Costello uncovers illegal cannabis operations linked to local estate agencyAuthor: Grace McGachy Published 3 hours agoFive people have been convicted of more than 23 offences, after Bedfordshire Police uncovered a network of cannabis factories across the county.The investigation focused on Condor Estates, an estate agency company found to be linked to 20 cannabis factories.Sarfraz Farooq, 46, who served as the director of Condor Estates, was implicated in renting properties for use as cannabis factories. The inquiry revealed fraudulent documentation was employed to facilitate tenancy agreements for these illegal operations. Accomplices included Uan Gogu, 42, Zohaib Riaz Ali, 33, Mohammed Farooq, 76, and Glentjan Sefaj, 29, all involved in various aspects of setting up and maintaining the cannabis factories. Guilty VerdictsSarfraz Farooq, Zohaib Riaz Ali, and Mohammed Farooq were collectively found guilty of 17 offenses after a trial. Charges ranged from conspiracy to produce controlled drugs to money laundering. Uan Gogu and Glentjan Sefaj admitted to their roles, including sourcing equipment and performing gardening works at the cannabis sites.Detective Sergeant Tracey Joyce highlighted the continued effort of Operation Costello in combatting organised crime: “We are continuing to crackdown on organised criminal networks, and these five men are the latest to be dealt with by the courts as part of our ongoing commitment to clamp down on those who enable large scale drug production.“Operation Costello takes a strong approach to tackling organised crime by targeting everyone involved, from those running large scale illegal cannabis cultivation, to the professional enablers who support criminal groups by supplying materials or allowing their premises to be used, and make financial gain from it. “Professional enablers are individuals who help facilitate organised crime groups, such as estate agents who locate properties for use for cannabis factories, those who create fraudulent documentation and money launderers. “Organised crime and cannabis cultivation has a huge impact on the community, and underpins much of the antisocial behaviour and serious violence we seen in our neighbourhoods. “We need the community to partner with us on this goal by reporting what they see and spotting the signs of a cannabis factory. Signs include strong odours, covered windows, condensation.”Sentencing for the five convicted men is scheduled for 10th September. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.