Category: Bedford

Zimbabwe Police Check Entry Records As Ndodana Tshuma Manhunt Takes New Turn
Zimbabwe Police are hunting UK triple murder suspect Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma after his wife and two young daughters were found dead at their home in England. The search has now reached Zimbabwe, with police checking whether the 45-year-old entered the country after leaving Britain days before the bodies were discovered.
Tshuma was captured on cameras at Heathrow Airport on 4 July 2026 as he left the United Kingdom on a British passport. On 7 July, police forced entry into the family’s Great Denham home in Bedfordshire and found three bodies.
Zimbabwe Police Search For Ndodana Tshuma
ZimLive reports that Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police were trying to establish whether Tshuma was in Zimbabwe.
Nyathi said:
“Where a suspect enters another jurisdiction there are protocols to be followed, and we are yet to receive any requests as of now.”
He said Zimbabwe Police had already started following leads.
Nyathi added:
“On our part we are working flat out to establish if indeed the suspect is in the country with a view to arrest him.”
Police are checking traveller records at land and air ports of entry as they seek to establish whether Tshuma entered Zimbabwe.
Nyathi said:
“We are waiting for communication from our UK counterparts. We are monitoring the situation and the country’s points of entry.”
Wife And Daughters Found Dead At Bedfordshire Home
Bedfordshire Police are seeking Tshuma in connection with the deaths of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5.
The family had reportedly not been seen for several days before concerns were raised. Police forced their way into the Great Denham property and discovered the bodies.
The family’s four-bedroom home, which reportedly has a swimming pool, was bought for nearly £1.3 million (about R28.5 million) in May 2024.
Bedfordshire Police said the investigation was moving quickly and officers were working with the National Crime Agency and international law enforcement agencies.
There have been no verified sightings of Tshuma in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Police Ready To Cooperate With UK Authorities
In Bulawayo’s Luveve suburb, relatives and neighbours gathered at Nothabo’s family home on Thursday, 9 July 2026, as her mother was consoled.
Nothabo’s family said:
“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 family added:
“Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”
Nyathi said Zimbabwe would cooperate with international law enforcement authorities if Tshuma is found.
He said:
“When caught, we shall cooperate fully as prescribed by domestic and international law.”
Zimbabwe Police are continuing to check entry records and follow leads as UK authorities pursue their investigation into the deaths of Nothabo and her two daughters.

Police are investigating the deaths of a woman and her two daughters found dead in a home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire on Monday. The victims, believed to be 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were discovered following a murder investigation. Officers say the prime suspect, their father Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, fled to Zimbabwe days earlier. Bedfordshire Police have appealed for him to surrender and warned: “We will find you.” The family’s loss has been described as “unimaginable.”
Suspect Flees Abroad
The suspect is believed to have left the UK from London Heathrow Airport on Saturday, heading to Zimbabwe. Police are actively searching for him and appealing for information from the public.
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
Relatives of the deceased issued a statement expressing profound grief and gratitude for public support. They 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. Your kindness and compassion have brought great strength to our family.”  
Local Business Connection
Ndodana Tshuma owns and operates a property company called Nexus Trove Holdings registered at his Great Denham address, as per Companies House records.
Ongoing Investigation
Bedfordshire Police continue their investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward. They have reiterated their commitment to locating the suspect and bringing clarity to the tragic case.

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British police have officially released a photograph of a mother and her two daughters who were found dead inside their detached Bedfordshire home on Monday.The release coincides with a moving tribute from a local headteacher, as the international manhunt for the primary suspect, 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, intensifies.As reported, the suspect – who goes by the name Mark- is a British citizen of Zimbabwean heritage. Authorities have confirmed he boarded a flight from London Heathrow Airport to Zimbabwe on Saturday, two days before the tragic discovery.Mark Tshuma, at Heathrow Airport on Saturday. Image: Bedfordshire PoliceUK triple murder investigation expandsThe deceased have been identified as Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, alongside her two daughters, Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala. Bedfordshire Police forced entry into their Carnoustie Drive property in Great Denham after the family had not been seen for several days.The Great Denham community remains utterly devastated by the incident. Mourners have laid floral tributes outside the cordoned-off home, with neighbours remembering Zandile as a “gracious mother”.Tshuma has an extensive corporate IT background and previously served as a head of development in Milton Keynes. More recently, he runs a lucrative property business, Nexus Trove Holdings, from the family’s address, according to reports.Detective Inspector Lee Martin issued a direct appeal to the suspect, urging him to hand himself over to authorities.“Three innocent people have lost their lives in the worst possible circumstances, leaving your relatives and friends devastated,” Martin stated, adding that international agencies are actively pursuing him.Tributes pour in for Nala TshumaThe youngest victim, Nala, attended Pilgrims Pre Prep in Bedford. Staff at the institution described her as a much-loved member of the school community who brought joy to those around her every day.Head teacher Jo Webster shared that many staff members had the privilege of watching the young girl grow since she was just seven months old.“She was a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humour,” Webster explained.While authorities believe Tshuma is currently in Zimbabwe, the African nation notably does not appear on the United Kingdom’s list of extradition treaty partners.

Zandile Tshuma and her two children were found at a £1.3million house in Great Denham, as police confirm a suspect is believed to have fled abroadKirstie McCrum Deputy Head of News, Live News Network and Patrick Hill12:39, 08 Jul 2026Updated 12:49, 08 Jul 2026Zandile Tshuma and her two children were found dead(Image: Facebook)Tributes have been paid to a mother and her two children, who are feared to have been killed in a suspected murder case.Zandile Tshuma and her children were discovered after officers forced entry into a £1.3million property in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday. Police have confirmed that a suspect has been identified, though it is believed they have left the country.A family friend, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Mirror: “I just hope they find him.”The woman, whose daughter was best friends with the youngest victim, described the suspected killings as “incomprehensible”. Speaking about the child victims, she said: “Both of them – they were amazing.”Flowers at the scene on Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)When asked whether she was aware of any difficulties within the family, the woman said she could not comment, adding: “I am shocked.”, reports the Mirror.Officers are reported to have forced their way into the property after concerns were raised when the three had not been seen for a number of days. Bedfordshire Police have since named a suspect, who is thought to have fled abroad.Speaking on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.Forensic investigators at the house(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)”Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond.”This is the early stages of an incredibly complex investigation. “The detached property, reportedly purchased two years ago for £1.3 million by Mrs Tshuma’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma – known as Mark – boasts a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Tshuma holds a degree in Computing Informatics from the University of Plymouth.It is understood that both he and his wife originally hailed from Zimbabwe, while the children were born in the UK.Mark Tshuma(Image: Facebook)ACC Murphy stated: “We are committing all necessary resources to establish what has happened and to find the person responsible. We have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”He confirmed there is no indication of any broader risk to the public, but noted: “We will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.”He appealed for anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, on Friday or Saturday, to come forward.

Bedfordshire Police were called on Monday (July 6) after concerns were raised about a mother and her two children who had not been seen for several days. 

After making enquiries, officers forced entry into a property in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, where they discovered the bodies of the three victims.

A murder investigation has been launched by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. 

Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond. This is the early stages of what is an incredibly complex investigation.

“We are committing all necessary resources to establish exactly what has happened and to find the person responsible.

“As a result of enquiries undertaken so far, we have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”

He added: “While there is nothing to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, we will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.

“I would ask anyone who may have information about this incident, or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in Carnoustie Drive, particularly on Friday and Saturday, to please come forward to police as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.

“I would also ask people to be mindful of the privacy of the victims and avoid speculating about what might have happened.”

Those with information are urged to contact police via the webchat service at https://orlo.uk/B4bzB or by calling 101, quoting Operation Snowdrift.

New research shows men in wealthier parts of Luton live, on average, 10 years longer than those from the most deprived areas.The data also suggests life expectancy for both men and women in the borough is “significantly” lower than the national average.Luton Borough Council is developing a strategy to help people stay healthier for longer. But how did the figures get so bad?What do the figures tell us about life expectancy?The figures were compiled by the council’s public health team, which reviewed a comprehensive set of data on older people, alongside their experiences and views.Average life expectancy in Luton is 78.6 years for men and 82.6 for women — both lower than the national average.There is also a substantial gap between the most and least affluent areas. Men in poorer neighbourhoods are likely to die 10 years earlier than those in wealthier districts, while the gap for women is seven years.What is causing the big gap in life expectancy?Prof David Hewson said poverty was the main reason why people in deprived areas had shorter livesDavid Hewson, professor of health and ageing at the University of Bedfordshire, said poverty was the underlying issue.”The people who have the least money, the most deprivation, are always going to have problems related to health,” he said.”So you’ve got inadequate housing, you’re going to have potentially lower levels of education, your diet won’t be as good, you’re less likely to do physical activity, whereas the people who are better off are going to have the opposite.”However, he added that people in deprived areas can still do well if they become more active and improve the quality of their diet.What else did the figures show?Keeping active is essential for over-50s who want to stay healthyResearchers also examined healthy life expectancy (HLE) — the number of years people can expect to live in good health.The figures use mortality data and people’s own assessments of their health.According to the research, HLE for men in Luton is 56.9 years, while the age for women is 55.8 years.The report says both figures are “significantly lower than the national average”, which is 60 years for men and 60.7 years for women.The figures have fallen in recent years and, unlike the national trend, women in Luton have a lower HLE than men.People in the borough also report losing good health up to five years earlier than the England average.What’s the solution?Rumi Choudhury from Luton Borough Council is leading the drive towards a healthy ageing strategyThe council is developing a healthy ageing strategy focused on the over-50s.Rumi Choudhury, who holds the public health portfolio, said it would bring together existing support while increasing focus on prevention.”It will also address poverty, deprivation, loneliness and social isolation,” she said.The strategy aims to boost participation in physical activity among older people.What sort of activities help people stay healthier for longer?Walking cricketers score points by hitting the ball rather than runningProf Hewson said GPs and social prescribing schemes can connect people with community activities, such as a wellbeing garden on the edge of Luton.But he added that outreach beyond healthcare settings was essential, for example engaging with people at regular community events such as a church, mosque or temple.He is involved in a walking cricket project for over-50s.Alan Field, the chairman of Sandy Cricket Club in Bedfordshire, plays the walking version and said: “I’m keeping active without really knowing it. “[We find] we’ve actually walked over a mile in a session.”You do it without realising it and you’re bending for the ball, you’re stretching, you’re throwing. It’s coordination.”We’re also engaging with each other socially.”Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
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Police were called to Astwick Road in Stotfold at around 8pm yesterday (July 5) after calls were received about weapons being seen.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed that firearms officers were deployed to the scene, but that the guns were, in fact, air weapons.

One of these weapons was seized, with a man being interviewed on suspicion of carrying an air weapon in a public place.

“We were called at around 8pm on Sunday (July 5) to reports of men seen carrying guns in Astwick Road, Stotfold,” a police spokesperson said.

“Firearms officers were deployed to the scene, where an air weapon was seized and one man was interviewed on suspicion of carrying an air weapon in a public place.”

Sean Wilcox, 35, of East Road in Sandy, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday July 2.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of actual bodily harm after an investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team.

He was also found guilty of rape in a separate case investigated by Thames Valley Police.

Bedfordshire Police said Wilcox subjected the victim to a sustained campaign of abuse over several years.

“Simply being awake felt like a nightmare,” she said in a statement.

“I was so ashamed. I was his victim, but I didn’t really know it.

“I just knew shame and humiliation.

“The mental scars live with me all day, every day.”

Sergeant Sabrina D’Amelio, who investigated, said: “Wilcox subjected the victim to sustained and deeply traumatic abuse, leaving her living in fear.

“The courage shown by the victim in coming forward and supporting this investigation has been immense, and we hope this sentence provides her with some measure of justice.

“Tackling male violence against women and girls is a priority for us as a force.

“We are committed to pursuing offenders, and our message is clear—violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.”

Temperatures of 30C or higher could hit 38 counties on Saturday, new weather maps show, as the UK braces for another heatwave

Temperatures in parts of England are expected to soar to 30C on Saturday(Amer Ghazzal/Shutterstock)

Temperatures could soar to 35C in the upcoming heatwave, with dozens of counties expected to see highs of 30C or more, according to new weather maps.

The Met Office says heatwave conditions are likely to develop next week, with high pressure set to remain the “dominant feature” of the UK weather pattern. Temperatures are expected to climb day by day, with heatwave thresholds likely to be reached across parts of southern and eastern England. Many southern and central areas are forecast to hit the high 20s, and parts of south-east England could reach the low 30s, the forecaster said.

Maximum temperature maps generated by WXCharts, using MetDesk data, suggest swathes of southern England could bake in temperatures of 30C or higher on Saturday, July 11. The maps also show 30C heat spreading into the Midlands and even parts of northern England. London and the Home Counties, along with Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire, are expected to be among the hottest areas, with temperatures widely reaching the low 30s and potentially peaking at 35C in Cambridgeshire.

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A maximum temperature map for Saturday, July 11(WXCharts)

The 38 counties set to see temperatures of 30C or above on Saturday, July 11:

Bedfordshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire
Cheshire
Derbyshire
Dorset
East Sussex
Essex
Gloucestershire
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Kent
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Merseyside
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Rutland
Shropshire
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire
Suffolk
Surrey
Tyne and Wear
Warwickshire
West Midlands
West Sussex
West Yorkshire
Wiltshire
Worcestershire

The Met Office says the heat is unlikely to match the intensity of last month’s heatwave, which peaked at 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 26. June temperature records were broken on three consecutive days before that peak.

In its long-range outlook for Friday, July 10, to Sunday, July 19, the Met Office says: “Temperatures by day will be widely very warm, hot or even very hot in parts of the south.”

The forecaster says there are signs the heat will ease after the weekend, with conditions returning to more typical summer levels during the week beginning on Monday, July 13.

Northern and western parts of the UK may be unsettled at the start of the period, with heavy rain or thundery showers possible. Dry and very warm weather is then expected across England and Wales, although there remains a risk of thunderstorms moving in from France.

High pressure is expected to build northwards, bringing spells of drier, warmer weather to most of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Winds should generally be light to moderate, but may turn gusty near any thunderstorms.

Motorists have been warned to ‘expect delays’12:09, 05 Jul 2026Updated 12:16, 05 Jul 2026Bedfordshire Police are at the scene of the crash (stock image)(Image: Cambridge News)Emergency services are at the scene of a “serious” collision on a busy road near Cambridgeshire. There has been a collision along the A421 diversion route towards St Neots on Sunday, July 5.This was reported at around 11.40am this morning. National Highways said Bedfordshire Police are leading at the scene of the crash on Little Barford Road in Bedfordshire.Motorists travelling on the A421 and A1 have been affected and are warned to “expect delays”. Bedfordshire Police have been approached for comment.A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Travelling #A421 #A1 #BlackCat today. Please be aware that there has been a serious collision on the diversion route.”@bedspolice are leading at the scene of the collision on #LittleBarford road. Further updates to follow.”