Afgan Teen Admits Murdering Man Accused of Stalking Married Female Relative Following Family Dispute

An 18-year-old man faces life imprisonment after admitting to traveling from Yorkshire to London to carry out the premeditated fatal stabbing of a man involved in a complex dispute with his family.

Sulaiman Tajzai, of Wesley Road, Leeds, entered guilty pleas to charges of murder and possession of a bladed article at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, 11 September.

The defendant targeted 26-year-old Farmanullah Sherzad, who was fatally attacked in Westminster following months of hostility originating from allegations by Tajzai's relatives.

Emergency services were called to Abbey Orchard Street at approximately 10:15 pm on Friday, 27 March 2026, where Mr Sherzad was discovered unconscious with severe stab wounds. Despite immediate medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at the scene 20 minutes later.

CCTV analysis established that Tajzai had purchased a knife from a shop in Leeds before taking a train to London that same day. Footage also confirmed Tajzai had conducted prior surveillance, traveling to London weeks earlier to map out the victim's home and place of employment.

On the night of the murder, Tajzai lay in wait outside Mr Sherzad’s address. When the victim arrived home from work and tried to flee, Tajzai pursued him into the street and delivered the fatal blow.

He dropped a pair of black gloves near St James’ Park while fleeing, which forensic examiners later linked to the victim’s blood on the outside and Tajzai’s DNA on the inside.

The court heard the attack followed a history of complaints involving Tajzai’s cousin and his wife, who had previously reported Mr Sherzad to police in Leeds.

Mr Sherzad was arrested in October 2025 on suspicion of stalking, but maintained he was in a consensual relationship with the relative. Police later confirmed no further action would be taken.

Tajzai remains in custody pending sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday, 18 September.