A heartless and egocentric perpetrator has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally striking a profoundly deaf young woman in the neck, leaving her to perish on the street.
Duane Owusu, known as Nasty, has received a life sentence at the Old Bailey, with a minimum term of 16 years and six months for the murder of Zahwa Mukhtar.
The 36-year-old Owusu, described as resembling a “monster” by witnesses, viciously attacked 27-year-old Zahwa in a fit of rage in Dagenham, London, on August 16, 2025.
Reports revealed that Ms. Mukhtar, who had not previously met Owusu, had accompanied him on a night out in the early hours of the day. She was then forced out of a car by Owusu after a dispute with one of his acquaintances.
During the altercation, Ms. Mukhtar reportedly pulled the hair of Owusu’s female friend and issued stabbing threats, prompting Owusu to toss her phone out of the moving car in Chadwell Heath.
Subsequently, Owusu ejected her from the vehicle and proceeded to launch a brutal and sustained attack on her.
Witnesses detailed how Owusu delivered two kicks to Ms. Mukhtar’s face as she sat on the pavement, followed by a fatal punch as she attempted to rise. The witness recalled her falling to the ground as she pleaded with her assailant.
The witness further described Owusu’s demeanor as pure rage, stating that despite trying to aid the victim, she was ordered back into the car by Owusu.
Following the incident, the car departed the scene, but Owusu and his group were apprehended by the police nearby. Ms. Mukhtar was pronounced dead on-site by responding officers, while Owusu and his companions were detained for questioning.
Forensic analysis later revealed that Ms. Mukhtar had sustained a skull fracture and a fatal brain injury. Owusu denied punching her, alleging that he had only pushed her to defuse the situation.
However, CCTV footage presented in court captured Owusu criticizing another individual for suggesting assistance, referring to him as a “weak link.” Owusu later claimed to be “traumatized” by the events and denied the murder and manslaughter charges.
Following a dramatic trial, Owusu was convicted of murder. During the trial, Ms. Mukhtar’s brother startled jurors when he lunged at the defendant in the witness box.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke of Specialist Crime North remarked, “The severity of Owusu’s actions is reflected in the sentence in this case, and our sympathies are with Zahwa’s loved ones and friends.”
He praised the investigative team for swiftly identifying Owusu as the perpetrator through CCTV evidence, emphasizing the importance of their meticulous work in securing Owusu’s conviction.
