Tributes have been paid to a “kind and compassionate” midwife found dead at her east London home in a suspected murder-suicide.
Simbiso Aretha Moula, 39, who worked at Queen’s hospital in Romford, was found dead with her husband Garikayi Moula, 51, in Rainham on Friday.
Police believe Mr Moula strangled his wife before hanging himself. They are treating her death as murder and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
Former colleagues of Mrs Moula, who had three children, said they were “shocked and saddened”.
Kathryn Halford, chief nurse at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Simbi was a popular, valued member of our midwifery team. During her 11 years at our trust, she built great relationships and friendships with her colleagues.
“We will remember her fondly for her professionalism, kindness and compassion, as will the many mothers she cared for so well.”
A close family friend said: “This is such a difficult time for the family, especially the children … they are suffering and need time to grieve.” Police were called to the couple’s home at about 8am after Mrs Moula and her husband were found unresponsive. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Moula died from compression of the neck and Mr Moula died from suspension. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine, from the Met’s homicide unit, said: “If you heard or saw anything at the address that seemed out of place or of concern between the hours of 10.30pm on Thursday January 3 and 8 am the following day, please don’t hesitate to contact us.”
- Anyone with information should call the HMCC incident room on 020 8345 3865 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
