UK Man Arrested in South Africa Over Bedford Family Deaths

South African police arrested a 45-year-old Zimbabwean national in Johannesburg on suspicion of murdering his wife and two daughters whose bodies were found at their home in Great Denham, Bedford. He was taken into custody in the Kensington area of Johannesburg.

African police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the arrest served as a "stern warning" that the country was not a "hide-out" for any suspected criminals. "We will trace you, we will find you and we will arrest you," she told reporters. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised three murder charges against the suspect.

He is due to appear in court on Monday, after which extradition proceedings will begin.

Martin said the investigation involved the National Crime Agency, Interpol, and authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa. "This has been a fast-moving investigation which has involved multiple law enforcement partners, including the National Crime Agency, Interpol and authorities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa," Martin said. Police forced entry to the property that day.