Family funeral held after suspected triple murder

A funeral service has been held for a woman and her two daughters who are believed to have been murdered.

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

At the funeral service in a church in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, mourners spoke of the mother's kindness, her love for her family and determination to succeed.

Inside the packed hall, dozens sang mournful songs as the three white coffins stood in the centre of the room, each placed beside a smiling photograph.

An inquest into the deaths found the mother and her two children had died from head injuries.

Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, was arrested in Johannesburg on suspicion of murdering his wife and two children; he remains in custody in South Africa. He is also facing a separate gun-related charge.

At the same time, UK authorities are working to have him extradited to stand trial for the murder allegations.

Speaking to the BBC, family spokesperson and relative Leon Khumalo described Nothabo, who had built a life in the UK over many years, as "the family's pride and joy."

He said: "She was the glue of our family and was dearly loved by many".

Khumalo said his family was grappling with the loss, which had taken "two generations from them" in one gruesome incident.

At the funeral service, the speakers spoke fondly of her kindness, her love for her family and determination to succeed.

One said: "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 described Natalie as "an intelligent young girl who showed great promise. She was gentle and loved sport".

Speaking about Nala, he added: "She was full of infectious joy and laughter."

The family have said they want justice for the deaths, and the truth to be revealed through the court process.

Tshuma's case resumes on 27 August; he is yet to plead.

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