Teenage asylum seeker jailed for life for Westminster murder

A teenage asylum seeker has been sentenced to life imprisonment for fatally stabbing a man in Westminster. Sulaiman Tajzai, 18, travelled from Leeds to London to carry out the attack on Farmanullah Sherzad, 26, on March 27.

Judge Angela Rafferty KC sentenced Tajzai to life with a minimum term of 25 years for murder and possession of a knife at the Old Bailey on Friday. The judge stated Tajzai had stalked Mr Sherzad before ambushing him outside his Westminster home in an "exceptionally violent" and "savage" attack, stabbing him at least 10 times.

Personal Grudge Motivated Attack

The court heard that Tajzai developed a personal grudge against Mr Sherzad based on a false belief that Mr Sherzad had wronged a female relative. Specifically, Tajzai believed Mr Sherzad was involved with the Taliban and had stalked his cousin's wife with intent to commit a sexual offence. Tajzai's father had previously been kidnapped by the Taliban and was suspected of being killed by the group.

In contrast, Mr Sherzad's loved ones described him as a "friendly, polite, respectful person who was always well mannered and tolerant." He was a keen cricketer and a hard-working individual, often working six or seven days a week.

Background to the Murder

Prosecutor Lisa Wilding KC told the court that Tajzai claimed to be 14 when he entered the UK in August 2022 and claimed asylum the following year. In October last year, Mr Sherzad was arrested on suspicion of stalking and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence at the home of Tajzai's cousin and his wife in Leeds. However, Mr Sherzad stated he was in a relationship with the wife, who had invited him to visit. Following his release, police informed the cousin and his wife that there would be "no further action" against Mr Sherzad.

In January, Tajzai travelled to London to conduct reconnaissance near Mr Sherzad's workplace and home. On the day of the murder, he armed himself with a kitchen knife and travelled by train from Leeds. CCTV footage captured him arriving at London's King's Cross station before heading to Abbey Orchard Street, where Mr Sherzad lived.

Mr Sherzad left work at 10pm and cycled home, where Tajzai was waiting. CCTV showed a struggle before Mr Sherzad ran "screaming for his life" as Tajzai attacked him. Tajzai fled the scene and returned to Leeds by train the following day.

Mr Sherzad's family released a statement expressing their devastation and heartbreak, describing him as a "kind, gentle and free-spirited man" whose life was taken in "cruel and senseless circumstances."

What Happens Next

Sulaiman Tajzai has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. He will serve this sentence before any consideration for release.