A wave of grief has settled over a quiet corner of Tulse Hill, south London, following the tragic death of Dickiesa Nurse, a 42-year-old mother of two. Flowers now mark the spot outside her ground-floor flat, a poignant tribute to a life cut short by violence last Monday.
Neighbors speak of a devastating shock, struggling to reconcile the image of the “kind and lovely” woman they knew with the brutal reality of her death. Dickiesa was found with multiple stab wounds, and a 59-year-old man, Robert Sabat, has been charged with her murder and also accused of threatening a paramedic.
The initial call came to police at approximately 5 pm on October 27th, reporting a disturbance at McCormick House. Paramedics arrived to find a scene of chaos, and Sabat was subsequently arrested after officers reportedly deployed a taser.
Bruno Abreu, a long-time resident of the estate, described Dickiesa as a consistently good neighbor. “We are very upset – it’s a tragedy,” he shared, recalling her warmth and intelligence. “She was kind and lovely, always friendly. We are all in shock.”
Another neighbor, a mother of three, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Dickiesa’s dedication to her children, a teenage son and daughter. “She was a great mother and a kind person who would do anything for anyone,” she said, her voice heavy with sorrow. “We are thinking of her kids at this terrible time.”
The flat, now boarded up, stands as a stark reminder of the loss. Detectives have spent days meticulously combing the scene for evidence, and have been reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area. A family gathering had taken place at the flat just the day before, adding to the confusion and heartbreak.
Dickiesa’s children are currently staying with relatives, shielded from the full weight of the tragedy. Neighbors recall a close-knit family, making the sudden loss even more incomprehensible. The community is left grappling with unanswered questions and a profound sense of sadness.
Chief Superintendent Emma Bond acknowledged the deeply disturbing nature of the crime, expressing condolences to Dickiesa’s family and friends. An increased police presence is expected in the area as officers continue their investigation, urging residents to come forward with any information.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is urged to contact police at 101, referencing CAD 5268/27Oct. Alternatively, those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
