Man Charged with the Murder of a Missing 24-Year-Old Kenyan Woman in London

A 54-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a missing Kenyan woman from southeast London, United Kingdom.

24-year-old Maureen Gitau was reported missing by her family on December 10th last year, having last been seen five days earlier on December 5th as she left her home in Evelyn Street in Deptford, Lewisham.

Mark Moodie of Nightingale Place, Woolwich, appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where he was charged with Maureen’s murder. He is next due to appear in custody at the Old Bailey on Thursday.

The charge sheet read that Moodie murdered Maureen in the borough of Lewisham on December 5th.

Maureen whose body has not been found was last seen wearing black jeans, a black top and black jacket. She is described to have short black hair with brown highlights at the top and links to the Lewisham, Charlton, Woolwich and Deptford areas.

Investigations indicate that Maureen and Moodie knew each other, Scotland Yard said.

“This arrest is a significant development in what is now being treated as a murder investigation. Whilst we have not located Maureen’s body we have reason to believe she has come to serious harm and has likely been killed,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation.

“Maureen’s family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers. This news has come as a terrible shock. My thoughts, and those of my team, are with them at this very difficult time.”

Police are appealing to anyone who knew Maureen and who saw her on December 5th in the Deptford area, or anyone who believes they have information that could assist their investigation, to call 101, giving the reference 3230985/22.