Inquests opened into deaths of mother and two daughters found dead in Bedford
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, were found dead at their Great Denham home earlier this month
Last updated 7 hours ago
The inquests into a mother and her two children found dead in Great Denham, Bedford, have opened today.
Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, known as Zandile, Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were discovered at their home on Carnoustie Drive after concerns were raised when they had not been seen for days.
On the 6th July 2026, Bedfordshire Police received a report from Zandile's cousin, who raised concerns after being unable to contact her.
The cousin advised that they would normally speak every day and was concerned for the welfare of Zandile and her two daughters, Natalie and Nala.
Enquiries also established that neither child had attended school that day.
During the early hours of the 7th July 2026, officers attended the family home. Following a search of the property, they located the bodies of three females.
The circumstances in which they were found were considered suspicious, and a murder investigation was immediately launched.
The cause of death for Zandile was found to be '1a head injuries.'
The coroner noted that the cause of death for both Natalie and Nala was 'blunt force head injuries.'
Criminal charges
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised three charges of murder against Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, the husband of Zandile and father of Natalie and Nala.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, of Great Denham, Bedford, was arrested by police in South Africa on Friday 10 July.
He had left the UK from Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday 4 July.
He has appeared in court in South Africa and now work is under way to return him to the UK.
Tributes
Natalie, a Year 10 student at Bedford Girls' School, was described by Headmistress Gemma Gibson as a "bright and accomplished" individual, loved for her fun-loving spirit.
"Natalie had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with," Mrs Gibson said.
“She was a talented dancer, musician, and keen sportswoman who will be remembered with warmth and affection."
Nala, a pupil at Pilgrims Pre Prep School, was fondly remembered as a "little ray of sunshine," according to Headteacher Jo Webster.
Nala "brought warmth and happiness wherever she went," Ms Webster said, highlighting her bubbly nature and sense of humour.
“We will remember her with enormous love and affection," she added.