Police have issued a CCTV image of a man suspected of killing his wife and two daughters before allegedly fleeing the United Kingdom.
The bodies of 42-year-old Nothabo Zandile Tshuma and her daughters, Natalie, 15, and five-year-old Nala, were discovered on Monday after officers forced entry into their home near Bedford.
Police had received reports that the family had not been seen for several days.
Bedfordshire Police said they are searching for 45-year-old Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, also known as Mark, who is believed to have left the UK through Heathrow Airport on a British passport on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Lee Martin said: “We know that Mark Tshuma left the country on Saturday and is now believed to be in Zimbabwe.”
He said the force was working closely with both national and international law enforcement agencies to locate the suspect.
“We are urgently working to find and apprehend him, and would appeal to him directly to hand himself in.”
Addressing the suspect directly, Martin added: “Mark, unthinkable harm has been caused to those around you and this has left your relatives and friends utterly devastated. Criminal investigation knows no borders.
“Please do the right thing, come forward and hand yourself in to local authorities.”
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the two girls from their schools.
Pilgrims Pre-Prep School head Jo Webster described Nala as “a ray of sunshine” who was known for her curiosity and “wonderful sense of humour”.
She said: “Many of our staff had known her since she was just seven months old and had the privilege of watching her grow.”
At Bedford Girls’ School, headteacher Gemma Gibson remembered Year 10 student Natalie as “bright and accomplished”, praising her abilities as a dancer, musician and athlete.
“She was fun-loving, full of life and had a positive impact on everyone she came into contact with. She will be remembered with great warmth and affection.”
The family home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham remains cordoned off, with flowers and tributes left outside by members of the community.
One woman, speaking through tears after laying flowers, said: “We’re really sorry to lose her.
“She was such a gracious mother.”
Residents described the incident as deeply shocking, saying it had happened in what they considered a quiet and safe neighbourhood.
Earlier, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy described the case as “a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered”.
Police said there is no indication that the wider public is at risk but confirmed that patrols in the area have been increased.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information about the incident or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area on Friday or Saturday to contact Bedfordshire Police.
Formal identification of the three victims has yet to be completed.
