A BEAUTY queen was
murdered by her ex as her daughter looked on — despite social services
twice being warned the killer was violent.
Ex-model Linah Keza, 29, was knifed by jealous David Gikawa in July 2013, but an employment tribunal heard her death was preventable.
Deputy head of social services Ngozi Palmer blasted East London’s Waltham Forest Council for not intervening after two reports of violence at Linah’s home days before the tragedy.
Mrs Palmer, 47, blamed the Safeguarding and Family Support Service for the death as she sued for sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal alongside social worker Anne Wells.
Gikawa, 40, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years last year after stabbing Linah in front of their two-year-old daughter at her flat in Leyton.
Mrs Palmer told the East London Employment Tribunal: “This person was reported as at risk. The news was devastating.”
She claimed the department was in crisis, with social workers juggling 40 cases instead of the recommended 15 to 20. Parts of risk assessment forms were also left blank.
Mrs Palmer said: “I feel traumatised by the part we played in letting this woman down.” She wants over £500,000 compensation and Ms Wells £170,000 for loss of earnings and injury to feelings. The hearing continues.
Ex-model Linah Keza, 29, was knifed by jealous David Gikawa in July 2013, but an employment tribunal heard her death was preventable.
Deputy head of social services Ngozi Palmer blasted East London’s Waltham Forest Council for not intervening after two reports of violence at Linah’s home days before the tragedy.
Mrs Palmer, 47, blamed the Safeguarding and Family Support Service for the death as she sued for sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal alongside social worker Anne Wells.
Gikawa, 40, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years last year after stabbing Linah in front of their two-year-old daughter at her flat in Leyton.
Mrs Palmer told the East London Employment Tribunal: “This person was reported as at risk. The news was devastating.”
She claimed the department was in crisis, with social workers juggling 40 cases instead of the recommended 15 to 20. Parts of risk assessment forms were also left blank.
Mrs Palmer said: “I feel traumatised by the part we played in letting this woman down.” She wants over £500,000 compensation and Ms Wells £170,000 for loss of earnings and injury to feelings. The hearing continues.
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