Introduction
The tragic death of Sabina Nessa, a 28-year-old primary school teacher from London, shocked the nation in September 2021. Her murder, committed by a stranger in Kidbrooke, highlighted the dangers women face in everyday life and reignited a wider debate about violence against women in the UK.
This article explores who Sabina Nessa was, the events of that fateful night, the investigation and trial of her killer Koci Selamaj, the public response, and the lasting legacy of her case.
Who Was Sabina Nessa?
Early Life and Education
Sabina Nessa was born in 1993 in Sandy, Bedfordshire. Growing up in a British-Bangladeshi household, she was known for her warmth, intelligence, and compassion. She studied sociology at the University of Greenwich, graduating around 2014, before earning her PGCE teaching qualification from the University of Bedfordshire in 2020.
Her academic journey reflected her lifelong passion for education and her dream of shaping young minds.
Career as a Primary School Teacher
After qualifying, Sabina began teaching at Rushey Green Primary School in Lewisham, South East London. Colleagues and parents described her as a dedicated teacher with a kind heart who loved her students. She had ambitious plans, including teaching abroad, but her life was tragically cut short.
The Tragic Night in Kidbrooke
Events of 17 September 2021
On the evening of 17 September 2021, Sabina left her home in Kidbrooke Village, South East London, intending to meet a friend at The Depot pub. The journey should have been a short, five-minute walk through Cator Park.
Unbeknownst to her, Koci Selamaj, a 36-year-old man from Eastbourne, had travelled to London that day with sinister intent. CCTV later revealed that he lay in wait in the park, armed with a blunt weapon.
Discovery of Sabina Nessa’s Body
Selamaj attacked Sabina in Cator Park, striking her with the weapon before dragging her into bushes and strangling her. Her body was discovered the next day, 18 September 2021, by a dog walker. The shocking news quickly spread, sparking grief and outrage.
Sabina Nessa Case Timeline
Date Event
17 September 2021 Sabina Nessa attacked in Cator Park, Kidbrooke.
18 September 2021 Her body discovered by a dog walker.
23–27 September 2021 Multiple arrests; eventually, Koci Selamaj is detained in Eastbourne.
27 September 2021 Selamaj formally charged with murder.
16 December 2021 Pleads not guilty to murder, though accepts responsibility for her death.
25 February 2022 Changes plea to guilty at trial.
8 April 2022 Sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years.
Investigation and Arrest of Koci Selamaj
How Police Identified the Killer
Police launched a major investigation after Sabina’s body was discovered. CCTV footage captured suspicious movements near Cator Park, linking them to a vehicle traced back to Selamaj in Eastbourne.
Detectives discovered he had travelled to London, lurked in the park, and carried out the attack before fleeing.
Evidence and CCTV Footage
Key evidence included CCTV showing his car journey, purchase of a weapon, and movements before and after the crime. Combined with forensic analysis, the case against him was overwhelming.
The Trial and Sentencing
Court Proceedings and Plea Change
Initially, Selamaj pleaded not guilty to murder, though he admitted responsibility for Sabina’s death. However, as the trial began in February 2022, he changed his plea to guilty.
Life Sentence and Judge’s Remarks
In April 2022, the Old Bailey sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years. The judge described the crime as “a predatory and sexually motivated attack”, leaving Sabina’s family devastated but determined to fight for justice in her name.
Public Response and Vigils
Candlelight Vigils in Kidbrooke and Nationwide
Sabina’s murder prompted widespread vigils. Hundreds gathered in Kidbrooke Village to honour her life. Candlelight events were also held across London and the UK, symbolising both grief and unity.
Media Coverage and Criticism
Criticism arose regarding the initial lack of media coverage, with many campaigners pointing out disparities in how crimes against women of colour are reported compared to white victims. Sabina’s family spoke out, urging society not to forget her name.
Impact on Women’s Safety in the UK
Violence Against Women Statistics
Sabina’s death was not an isolated tragedy but part of a larger crisis. Consider the following statistics:
• In the year ending March 2023, police recorded 103,135 rape and serious sexual offences in England and Wales.
• Around 20% of all police-recorded crime relates to violence against women and girls (VAWG).
• Over 850,000 domestic abuse-related crimes were recorded in the year ending March 2024, with women making up 72.5% of victims.
• At least 1 in 12 women are victims of VAWG each year, while over 1 in 4 women experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
These numbers underline the scale of the problem Sabina’s case brought to light.
Comparison with Sarah Everard Case
Just months earlier, Sarah Everard’s murder by a serving police officer had shaken public confidence. Sabina’s murder intensified demands for reform, showing that violence against women crosses racial, social, and geographical boundaries.
Sabina Nessa’s Legacy and Reforms
Family’s Fight for Justice
Sabina’s family have been tireless advocates since her death. They continue to speak publicly about her case, highlighting media bias, racial inequality, and systemic failures in addressing women’s safety.
Community and Educational Tributes
Schools and community organisations have honoured Sabina with memorials, scholarships, and educational funds to continue her passion for teaching.
Calls for Policy and Safety Reforms
Campaigners demand:
• Better street lighting and CCTV in public spaces.
• Stronger action on domestic abuse and sexual offences.
• More funding for support services and prevention programmes.
• A cultural shift where women’s safety is prioritised as a national issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was Sabina Nessa?
A 28-year-old British-Bangladeshi primary school teacher in Lewisham, described as warm, caring, and passionate about education. - What happened to her?
She was attacked and murdered while walking through Cator Park in Kidbrooke on 17 September 2021. - Who killed Sabina Nessa?
Koci Selamaj, a 36-year-old man from Eastbourne, pleaded guilty to her murder. - What sentence did he receive?
He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 36 years. - Why was the attack described as ‘predatory’?
Because Selamaj travelled to London, waited in a public park, armed himself with a weapon, and targeted a lone woman. - How did the public respond?
Vigils were held across the UK. Campaigners and family members demanded reforms and criticised the lack of early media coverage. - What impact did the case have on women’s safety debates?
It intensified calls for action against violence towards women, with renewed focus on public safety measures and systemic reform.
Conclusion
Sabina Nessa’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that no woman should fear walking home at night. She was a teacher, a sister, a daughter, and a friend—taken far too soon.
Her case is not just about one crime but about the urgent need to address violence against women in the UK. Through vigils, campaigns, and her family’s advocacy, her name has become a symbol of both tragedy and hope for change.
The best way to honour her memory is by ensuring a safer future for all women and girls.
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