The deaf community in East London have paid tribute to a ‘humble and sweet’ woman who was killed in the Chadwell Heath area of Romford. Zahwa Salah Mukhtar, known as Zee, died after being found with serious injuries on Chadwell Heath Lane, with the emergency services responding to reports of an assault at 5.30am on Saturday (August 16).
Friends said the 27-year-old, who was deaf, was ‘deeply involved’ in East London’s deaf community. She regularly attended the Hackney Deaf Club to support the group.
Club organiser Tahene Howell said the community is ‘heartbroken’ by Zahwa’s death. Tahene told MyLondon: “She touched a lot of people as many have messaged me saying they remember her and how they met only once but how lovely she was.
“She was someone you could not forget. She left that great impression on you. She always had good energy, and was smiling. I am so devastated. I can’t believe it.”
Zahwa was ‘constantly complimenting and uplifting others’
Tahene said Zahwa did so much volunteer work and had a ‘natural skill’ for socialising with people. She added: “Everyone said she was a ray of sunshine and how much she lit the room up.
“She had confidence that others could only dream of having. She was very humble, mature and so sweet. She was constantly complimenting and uplifting others.”
Lucy Deeble, who is known as the artist Signmusic who is a BSL interpreter, said Zahwa was always spreading kindness wherever she went. She told MyLondon: “She often attended the Hackney Deaf Club and was such an unforgettable presence.
“Now that she has sadly passed away, we want to say how much we love her, and how deeply she will be missed. Zahwa touched so many lives with her warmth and compassion, and her memory will live on in all of us.
“She was taken too soon. She had more life to live. She wasn’t ready.”
Friends, along with many who had only met Zahwa once, flooded social media with heartfelt tributes after her death. Jemima Hoadley commented on the Hackney Deaf Club’s instagram account saying: “[I am] deeply saddened by the news.
“We formed a family at Glastonbury Festival this year, when she volunteered with the Deaf Voluntary Collective. She was so brave, independent, and full of life. I teased her about how many times she changed her outfit.
“She was very stylish, beautiful, and fun. We had some great moments. She was confident and proud and you knew exactly where you stood with her in any moment. Fly high Zee. We got you in our hearts.”
Police arrest four men linked to Zahwa’s death
Four men have been arrested in connection to her death, including one – a 35-year-old – suspected of murder and three – aged 21, 22 and 35 – suspected of assisting an offender.
Each of the men are thought to be known to each other, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed. While enquiries continue, the force is treating Zahwa’s death as an isolated incident.
In a statement, her ‘devastated’ family said she will live on in their hearts forever. They wrote: “Zahwa was a kind and loving person with high aspirations in life and her presence brought warmth to those around her. She was dearly loved by her family and friends. Zahwa’s tragic loss has left us heartbroken, and she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.”
Investigators are continuing to appeal to any witnesses who may be able to help their enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke who is leading this investigation said: “Our thoughts remain with Zahwa’s family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time for them all.
“We are keen to understand the events prior to Zahwa’s death. We know that Zahwa was in the company of a group of people in the vicinity of Palatine Road, N16 in the early hours of Saturday, August 16.
“We would like to speak with anyone who was with Zahwa and who may have any information that may help police understand her movements on that day.”
A gathering is taking place at Hackney Deaf Club, at 8 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, on Wednesday, August 20 at 6pm to remember Zahwa. It is being organised to remember all the good memories with Zahwa.
If you would like to pay your own tribute to Zahwa please get in touch at [email protected].
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