A woman who was found dead at her home died of stab wounds, an inquest has heard.

Nomakhosi Barbara Mpala, known as Barbara, was found by her housemate on September 6, at their home on Walnut Avenue, Bury.

Ms Mpala, who was just 35 and worked as a carer at the time of her death, had suffered “multiple sharp force injuries”.

The opening to her inquest was held at Rochdale Coroners Court today, September 23.

Coroner Catherine McKenna said: “Ms Mpala was very sadly found deceased at her home on September 6 this year at Walnut Avenue, Bury.

The address on Walnut Avenue where Ms Mpala diedThe address on Walnut Avenue where Ms Mpala died (Image: Newsquest)

“This lady was married at the time of her death, her husband was Molifi Elvis Mosia.”

Mr Mosia died the same night as Ms Mpala on the M65 near Blackburn after he was hit by a lorry, a coach and a car. 

Police coroners officer (PCO) Stacy Bunn said: “Nomakhosi was sadly found deceased at her address by her housemate with injuries to her body.

“A police investigation is under way.”

PCO Bunn added that a post-mortem examination had taken place, finding Ms Mpala’s provisional cause of death as “multiple sharp force injuries”.

Flowers outside the homeFlowers outside the home (Image: Newsquest)

Coroner McKenna did not set a date for the full inquest, instead setting a review date for November 7. 

Following her death, GMP named Mr Mosia as a suspect in the death of his wife earlier that evening. Officers say no one else is being sought in connection with the investigation.

A spokesperson for her family said: “Barbara was a caring and hardworking person.

"She was so thoughtful and always checking up on her family and friends.

"Barbara loved her family and enjoyed working as a carer. We loved Barbara so much and life will not be the same without her."