Guilty plea following Enfield murder investigation

A man has appeared in court where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Bledi Petraj, who died following a fight on an Enfield street.

Kozma Papa, 22 (23.09.02) of Fairview Road, Cheltenham, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 October where he pleaded guilty to murder.

He was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Friday, 6 December.

Police and London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called at 14:04hrs on Sunday, 4 February to reports of a stabbing at Queen Elizabeth’s Drive in Enfield.

Officers and LAS attended. At the scene 37-year-old Bledi Petraj, who was from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, was found with knife injuries.

Despite the efforts of medics at the scene and in hospital, he sadly died that afternoon. His family were notified and were supported by specialist officers.

Papa was arrested by Met officers in a car that was stopped in Hertfordshire that same day. He was charged the following day with murder.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Goode said: “We know that on the day of the murder the victim pulled over in his car on Queen Elizabeth’s Drive. Papa pulled in behind him and both men got out of their cars and immediately started to fight. A fight that ended in a senseless loss of life.

“It has never been established why they fought, but whatever the reason for the confrontation, I know it wouldn’t justify the loss felt by Bledi’s family and the years that Papa will now spend in prison.

“I am pleased that this guilty plea will spare Bledi’s family the experience of a criminal trial – my thoughts are with them today.”

A 30-year-old man, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, was released without further action.