A Mother and Her Two Daughters Were Found D3:ad In...

A Mother and Her Two Daughters Were Found D3:ad Inside Their Own Home… The Case Took a Dramatic Turn When Police Tracked Down the Husband Thousands of Kilometers Away

A woman and her two daughters died from “blunt force head injuries” in what prosecutors allege was a triple murder committed by the woman’s husband, a British court heard Tuesday.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly fleeing the country and was charged with killing his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and their daughters, Natalie, 15, and Nala, 5, three days earlier.

According to BBC, the case’s opening court hearing took place Tuesday, July 28, where prosecutors detailed how the three victims were allegedly killed and discovered at a house in Great Denham, a village in Bedfordshire, England, on July 7.

BBC reported that prosecutors allege Nothabo’s cousin became concerned about her and her two daughters after not speaking with them for several days, leading the cousin to call police for a welfare check at the home. The Bedfordshire Police Department said in a news release earlier this month that the three family members were found dead together in the home.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma.Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images via Getty

Nothabo’s relatives said in a statement released by police that they were “deeply saddened” by the “unimaginable loss” of the mother and her two children.

“The Khumalo family is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved Zandile (Nothabo) Khumalo and her two children,” the victims’ family said at the time. “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.”

Gemma Gibson, the Headmistress of Bedford Girls’ School, said Natalie “was a bright and accomplished” student who was “dearly loved by everyone” at her school.

“She was a talented dancer, musician and keen sportswoman,” Gibson added. “She was fun loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with; she will be remembered with warmth and affection.”

Jo Webster, the Headteacher of Pilgrims Pre Prep School, said in an accompanying statement that Nala was “a much-loved member of our school community who brought joy to those around her every day.”

Webster said the 5-year-old was “known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, positivity and wonderful sense of humour, she was a little ray of sunshine.”

“Whether wearing one of her favourite colourful hair accessories, making those around her laugh or taking centre stage in our Pre-School Nativity, Nala brought warmth and happiness wherever she went,” Nala’s headteacher added. “She had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection.”

Meanwhile, BBC reported that police searched for Tshuma and tracked him down in South Africa, where he had been arrested three days after the alleged murder on an unlicensed firearms charge.

Tshuma reportedly remains in custody in South Africa while a court determines whether he will be extradited to England to face charges in connection with the deaths of his wife and daughters.

SOURCE: PEOPLE

https://people.com/mom-and-2-daughters-age-5-and-15-found-dead-with-blunt-force-injuries-then-dad-fled-the-country-12028772