Family 'crushed' by deaths of mum and daughters

Relatives have paid tribute to a mother and her two children found dead in their home, saying they were "broken-hearted and crushed in spirit" at the news.

Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead in Great Denham, near Bedford, on 6 July.

A service of remembrance for them had been due to take place at St James Church in Biddenham on Sunday, but the church said expected turnout was "far beyond what we can safely accommodate".

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday on suspicion of murdering his wife and two children.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had authorised three murder charges against him.

Concerns had been raised with police on 6 July after the family had not been seen by neighbours for several days.

More from Beds, Herts and Bucks

• Cricketer reunites with CPR 'angel' who saved him
• Demand for baby bank growing faster than donations
• LGBTQ+ mentors will use new skills to support others

In a tribute, family members said: "Words cannot begin to express the depth of our emptiness and sorrow in the face of this tragic and senseless loss of life.

"Three precious lives were taken far too soon, our flowers prematurely robbed of their chance to blossom.

"Nothabo (Zandile) was a ray of sunlight. Anyone who knew her will agree that she possessed a rare ability to light up a room with her calming presence, warmth and grace."

They described the mother as "intelligent, confident, a consummate professional" and praised her devotion to her family.

Natalie was described "a gentle and thoughtful young woman" who enjoyed reading and was "fiercely intelligent".

Five-year-old Nala was "full of curiosity, laughter, and boundless energy".

"Today, we are indeed broken-hearted and crushed in spirit," they added.

"Yet we place our trust in God's promise that he is near to us in our grief, and that he will sustain us through the difficult days ahead," they said.

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.