Deaf Woman, 27, Brutally Kicked Out of Car and Left to Die on East London Street, Court Hears
Defendant Told Others to “Get Back in the Car” and Drove Off
A deaf woman, Zahwa Mukhtar, 27, was savagely punched in the neck and thrown out of a car during a night out in East London. Instead of helping her, the attacker — known only as “Nasty” — shouted at his mates to get back in the car and drove off, leaving her to die in the street, a court heard.
Rave Turns Deadly: The Attack
The horrifying incident unfolded in Chadwell Heath, Romford, in the early hours of August 16 last year. Zahwa, who came from a traditional family, loved to socialise, travel, and live a normal young adult life despite being profoundly deaf.
Duane Owusu, 36, had been at a rave with a group known from Dagenham, travelling in a crowded silver Mercedes. Zahwa, out alone, bumped into them near a pub in Stoke Newington by chance. She was reportedly running along the road and was given some laughing gas by the group.
When the group left, Zahwa joined the overcrowded car, sitting on Owusu’s lap. The court heard that everyone had been drinking and taking drugs, including Zahwa, who was behaving erratically and irritating those she didn’t know.
Horrific Assault Caught on CCTV
The situation turned violent when Zahwa began filming in the car. Owusu ordered the driver to stop, then threw Zahwa’s phone out the door and forced her out of the vehicle. She landed hard on the pavement.
“He aimed two kicks at her face as she sat on the ground,” the prosecution told the jury. “A female member of the group tried to stop the attack but was pushed aside. Zahwa got up and pleaded for him to stop, but he punched her hard in the neck, knocking her out cold.”
She suffered a fractured skull and fatal brain injury. Rather than call for help, Owusu shouted at the others to get back in the car, which then sped away. CCTV footage outside a nearby care home showed the attack and the chilling moments after.
A voice ordered, “Get in the car now.” Minutes after leaving Zahwa motionless on the street, the group’s car returned but then drove off again without helping her. Police stopped the car shortly afterwards, finding drugs onboard but made no arrests at the time.
Two passers-by later alerted officers to a woman lying further up the road. Paramedics tried to save Zahwa but she was pronounced dead around 6.20am.
Community Mourns “Humble and Sweet” Zahwa Mukhtar
East London’s deaf community is devastated by the loss. Zahwa was “deeply involved” and regularly attended the 1 Deaf Club, offering volunteer support and spreading kindness.
Club organiser Tahene Howell said, “She touched so many people. Even those who met her once remember how lovely she was. Zahwa had a natural charm and was always uplifting others. The community is heartbroken.”
BSL interpreter Lucy Deeble, known as Signmusic, added, “Zahwa was such an unforgettable presence — a ray of sunshine who lit up the room wherever she went.”
Owusu denies murder and manslaughter charges. The Old Bailey trial continues.
