Grieving sister pays tribute to ‘beautiful’ Sabina Nessa, 28, as teacher found ‘murdered’ in park five minutes from home
SABINA Nessa’s heartbroken sister has paid tribute to the tragic teacher after her body was discovered in a park.
The “brilliant” primary school teacher was found at Cator Park, South East London just five minutes away from her home on Saturday.
Cops believe that she was set upon on Friday night, whilst walking to meet up with friends at a local bar.
Sabina’s devastated sister has now paid tribute to her, writing online: “My beautiful talented and caring sister.
“My inspiration to always put myself first and never let anybody put me down.
“Never in my life did I or my sisters or my mum or dad think this could happen to us.
“May Allah grant her Jannah. Ameen.”
Met detectives today said Sabina left home on Astell Road in Greenwich just before 8.30pm on September 17.
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She is believed to have been making her way through Cator Park towards The Depot bar on Pegler Square, Kidbrooke Village, where she planned to meet a friend.
The journey should have taken her five minutes, but Sabina never arrived and cops believe she was murdered as she walked through the park.
Her body was found close to the OneSpace community centre within the park at around 5.30pm the next day, September 18.
Sabina’s cousin Zubel Ahmed has said that her parents have been left “absolutely devastated” by her death.
Speaking to ITV News he said: "She was due to go to see her family this weekend.
“She could not even do that one last time. Nothing is making sense to us.”
He added the “shock has not sunk in” and she was a “beautiful, kind, caring soul.”
CANDLELIT VIGIL
Sabina's death has sparked outrage after she joined a growing list of women killed in public spaces in London in recent months.
A vigil, supported by Reclaim These Streets, will take place on Friday at Peglar Square, in Kidbrooke, to pay tribute to her.
It will take place at 7pm, and those who attend are encouraged to bring their own candles to show their respects.
Neighbours have been left shocked after Sabina's death, with one adding that she never feels “entirely comfortable” walking in the dark as a woman.
Loye Olatunbosun, 26, said: “I’m quite shocked because this area feels so safe.
"I prefer going out late because it’s quieter and I often go through that park and walk a similar route.
“That area of the park is quite dark though and I avoid going behind the tennis courts for that reason.
“As a woman you never feel entirely comfortable walking in the dark and even though I’ve never felt unsafe I’m always looking behind me still.
“It’s just sad as a woman you just always have to look behind you and if someone is behind me I cross the street or walk faster. You don’t even think about it but you do it.”
If you think you saw Sabina or any suspicious behaviour in or around the park on Friday evening please speak to us.
Detective Inspector Joe Garrity
Mourners have also left floral tributes near the scene, with one message reading “Never Forgotten Always And Forever With Us.
“May the police bring you justice and may you be peacefully resting wherever you are. Guide us women who are left. Rest forever in peace.”
Another wrote "beautiful and innocent life taken too soon. May your star shine bright evermore in the night sky."
The tributes come as it was revealed her body was found by a dog walker who initially thought she was passed out.
Officers today remain at the scene in Cator Park where Sabina's body was found.
A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder but has been released under investigation.
A post-mortem examination carried out at Greenwich Mortuary on Monday found the cause of Sabina’s death as inconclusive.
'FIVE MINUTES FROM HOME'
The Met's Detective Inspector Joe Garrity, who is leading the murder investigation, believes there are "still others out there who may have information" that could help.
He said: "If you think you saw Sabina or any suspicious behaviour in or around the park on Friday evening please speak to us.
“Sabina’s journey should have taken just over five minutes but she never made it to her destination.
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"We know the community are rightly shocked by this murder – as are we – and we are using every resource available to us to find the individual responsible.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0208 721 4266 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
