A man who stabbed a 26-year-old minutes away from Parliament Square has been convicted of murder.
Suliaman Tajzai waited outside Farmanullah Sherzad’s home in Westminster on the evening of March 27 this year, before chasing the young man and stabbing him to death on Abbey Orchard Street.
Tajzai, 18, had purchased his bladed weapon from a corner shop in Leeds before travelling to London the same day, CCTV footage showed.
He headed straight for Mr Sherzad’s home to wait for him as he returned from work at 10.15pm.
Mr Sherzad was later found unconscious on the street by officers and died at the scene within 20 minutes, despite the efforts of medical staff.
A pair of black gloves dropped by Tajzai in the nearby St James’ Park were found to contain Mr Sherzad’s blood,
CCTV footage also revealed that Tajzai had travelled to the capital weeks before his attack to identify both Mr Sherzad’s address and his place of work.
On Friday he pleaded guilty to both murder and possession of a bladed article at the Central Criminal Court.
DCI Wayne Jolley said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with Farmanullah’s family and loved ones as they continue to come to terms with his tragic loss. While no outcome can undo the suffering caused by his death, we hope today’s conviction provides some measure of closure and reassurance that the person responsible has been brought to justice.
‘This is a devastating case in which a young man lost his life after being subjected to a brutal and senseless act of violence. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances.
‘I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigative team, who worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case.
‘I am also grateful to members of the public who assisted officers during the investigation.’
Tajzai is to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, September 18.