Duane Owusu, also known as Nasty, has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years and six months for the murder of Zahwa Mukhtar, a profoundly deaf young woman. Witnesses described Owusu as “callous and selfish” and likened his appearance to that of a monster during the violent attack on Zahwa in Dagenham, London, on August 16, 2025.
The court heard that Zahwa had accompanied Owusu, whom she had never met before, for a night out in the early hours of that day. After a dispute arose between Zahwa and one of Owusu’s friends in a car where they were inhaling laughing gas, she was forcibly ejected from the vehicle by Owusu. Subsequently, Owusu proceeded to physically assault Zahwa, culminating in a fatal punch to her neck as she fell to the pavement pleading for help.
Despite denying the act of punching Zahwa, claiming he had only pushed her to defuse the situation, CCTV footage presented in court captured Owusu expressing callous remarks towards another individual who suggested helping Zahwa. Following a dramatic trial that included a physical altercation involving Zahwa’s brother and the defendant, Owusu was ultimately found guilty of murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, from Specialist Crime North, commended the investigative team for their diligent work in utilizing CCTV evidence to swiftly identify Owusu as the perpetrator. The conviction of Owusu was attributed to the team’s meticulous efforts in analyzing crucial footage from the time of the incident.
The severity of Owusu’s actions and the impact on Zahwa’s family and friends were acknowledged by law enforcement officials, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the justice served with Owusu’s sentencing.
