Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ schoolgirls found dead in Great Denham home

The schools attended by the two children found dead alongside their mother have described them as being ‘full of life’ and a ‘ray of sunshine’.

Natalie and Nala Tshuma, 15 and five respectively, were found at a house in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, alongside mum Nothabo Zandile Tshuma on Monday.

Zandile’s husband and father to the two girls, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma – also known as Mark – has been named by Bedfordshire Police as a murder suspect.

On Tuesday, Bedford Girls’ School confirmed one of its pupils was one of the victims of the alleged murder.

Mrs Gemma Gibson, the school’s headmistress, said: ‘Natalie was a bright and accomplished Year 10 student who was dearly loved by everyone at Bedford Girls’ School. She was a talented dancer, musician and keen sportswoman.

‘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.

‘Her tragic death, together with that of her loving mother and younger sister, who were also well known to many of us, is a hugely devastating shock to all at Bedford Girls’ School and the wider Harpur Trust group of schools.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Natalie’s wider family, friends and all of those impacted by this terrible news. 

‘Our focus remains on supporting our students, families and colleagues;  we ask for privacy to allow us time to mourn our loss and support our community in private. When the time is right, we will come together as a community to remember Natalie.’

Meanwhile, Pilgrims Pre-Prep School paid tribute to Natalie’s younger sister, Nala. 

Headteacher Jo Webster said: ‘Nala was a much-loved member of our school community and brought joy to those around her every day. Many of our staff had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow.

‘She was a little ray of sunshine, known for her inquisitive and bubbly nature, her positivity, happiness and her wonderful sense of humor.

‘She was kind, caring, and affectionate, with a huge smile that brightened every room and hugs that made everyone feel special. For such a little person, she had an extraordinary impact on our community and will be remembered with enormous love and affection.

‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Nala’s family, friends and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss. Our priority remains the well-being of our pupils, families and colleagues.

‘We kindly ask for privacy as we take time to grieve and support one another during this difficult period.’

In a press conference today, officers vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice.

DI Lee Martin appealed to Mr Tshuma, 45 – believed to have left the country via Heathrow Airport and now thought to be in Zimbabwe – to turn himself in.

‘We know that the suspect, who we are naming today as Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, left the country on Saturday using a British passport,’ he said.

‘Mark, I am now speaking to you directly. Unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you.

‘Three innocent people have lost their lives in the worst possible circumstances, leaving your relatives and friends devastated.

‘We are throwing the full weight of the law behind this investigation. Criminal investigations know no borders. 

We are actively working with national and international agencies to pursue every available line of enquiry to track you down.  

‘Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.’