Man jailed for life following murder in Westminster

A man has been jailed for life for fatally stabbing a 26-year-old man, after Met detectives linked him to the crime using CCTV and DNA evidence.

Sulaiman Tajzai,18 (01.01.08), of Wesley Road, Leeds, killed Farmanullah Sherzad in Westminster on 27 March.

On Friday, 18 September a judge at the Old Bailey jailed Tajzai for life, to serve a minimum of 25 years. He pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed article on Friday 11, September.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with Farmanullah's family and loved ones, who continue to face the unimaginable consequences of his death. While nothing can ever undo their pain and suffering, we hope this outcome provides them with some measure of justice.

“My team worked meticulously to piece together crucial CCTV, and forensic evidence to build a compelling case, and today's sentence reflects the seriousness of this violent and senseless attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of a young man's life.

“The Met will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the most violent offenders are apprehended and put before the courts.”

In a statement, the victim’s family said: “We as a family are utterly devastated and heartbroken by the sudden and horrific murder of Farmanullah. His life was taken from him in the most cruel and senseless circumstances, leaving a void that can never be filled.

“Farmanullah was a kind, gentle and free-spirited man. He was someone who would not hurt a fly. He lived his life peacefully, treated others with respect and sought only to live in harmony with those around him. It is almost impossible for us to comprehend that someone so harmless and kind has been taken from us in such a violent and tragic way.

“We are deeply shocked and angered by the circumstances surrounding his death. If, as we understand, this was a calculated, heinous and premeditated act, then the enormity of what has happened cannot be overstated. A human life has been deliberately taken, and a family has been left to live with unimaginable grief and loss.

“No family should ever have to endure the pain that we are experiencing. No innocent life should be taken in such circumstances. We sincerely hope that the authorities and the justice system will do everything within their power to ensure that those who pose a danger to others are appropriately dealt with, rehabilitated where possible, and prevented from causing further devastation to other innocent families.

“Farmanullah deserved to live his life. He deserved to grow old surrounded by his family and loved ones. Instead, we are left mourning a life that was cruelly and prematurely taken from us.

“We will never forget him, and we will never stop grieving for him.”

The investigation

At around 22:15hrs on 27 March 2026, police were called to Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster, after Farmanullah Sherzad was found with stab wounds by a member of the public.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, the 26-year-old died around 20 minutes later.

Officers established through CCTV enquiries that Sulaiman Tajzai had purchased a knife from a corner shop in Leeds before travelling to London by train on the same day.

Further footage captured Tajzai waiting outside Farmanullah’s address when he arrived home from work at around 22:15hrs. Upon seeing Tajzai, Farmanullah attempted to flee. Tajzai chased him onto Abbey Orchard Street, where he fatally stabbed him.

After the attack, Tajzai fled the scene, dropping a pair of black gloves near St James' Park. Following forensic examination, Farmanullah's blood was found on the gloves, while DNA recovered from inside them was linked to Tajzai.

CCTV footage also revealed that Tajzai had travelled to London in the weeks before the attack to scope out Farmanullah's home address and where he worked.