Family funeral held after suspected triple murder
Relatives describe the mother as "the family's pride and joy".
A funeral service has taken place for Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her two daughters, Nala, 5, and Natalie, 15, following their suspected murders. The three were discovered deceased in their Great Denham home, near Bedford, on July 6.
During the service held at a church in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, attendees remembered Nothabo, 42, for her kindness, devotion to her family, and drive to succeed. The packed hall resonated with mournful songs as three white coffins, each adorned with a smiling photograph, occupied the center of the room.
An inquest into their deaths determined that the mother and her two children succumbed to head injuries.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was apprehended in Johannesburg on suspicion of murdering his wife and children and remains in custody in South Africa. He also faces a separate gun-related charge. Concurrently, UK authorities are working towards his extradition to face trial for the murder allegations.
Last month, a remembrance service for the family was held in Bedford, close to Great Denham.
Speaking to the BBC, family spokesperson and relative Leon Khumalo described Nothabo, who had established her life in the UK over many years, as "the family's pride and joy." He added, "She was the glue of our family and was dearly loved by many." Khumalo expressed his family's profound grief, noting the "two generations" lost in one tragic event.
At the funeral, speakers fondly recalled Nothabo's kindness, love for her family, and determination. One speaker remarked, "When she moved to the UK from Zimbabwe, we were all incredibly proud. It filled us with so much joy as a family to see her build a great career and respected career."
Another relative characterized Natalie as "an intelligent young girl who showed great promise. She was gentle and loved sport." Regarding Nala, he added, "She was full of infectious joy and laughter."
The family has expressed their desire for justice and for the truth to emerge through the legal process. Tshuma's case is scheduled to resume on August 27; he has not yet entered a plea.