Romford Road Stratford stabbing: Man jailed for murder

Hamza Kamali will serve a minimum of 25 years in jail after he was found guilty of murdering 38-year-old Saley Beya outside a nightclub in Romford Road on August 10 last year.

On the evening of August 9 that year, Saley and his friends attended a party in Stratford before continuing their night at a nightclub on Romford Road at 2.30am.

Around an hour later, they were all outside when one of Saley’s friends became involved in an altercation with a group of men who were known to Kamali.

Saley Beya died after being attacked (Image: Met Police) Kamali, 29, arrived after things quickly escalated into violence, with Saley being stabbed in the leg.

Saley was able to run from the scene, but he was chased by Kamali who kicked the victim several times as he tried to get away.

Eventually, Kamali returned to Romford Road before leaving the scene with his group.

Saley collapsed in the street and paramedics tried to stem the bleeding out, but he went into cardiac arrest on his way to hospital.

He remained in a critical condition for nearly three weeks before dying on August 29.

Hamza Kamali has been jailed (Image: Met Police) Kamali, of Henniker Road, returned home after the incident and let his property 30 minutes later wearing different clothes and carrying a plastic bag which he got rid of.

After being arrested on August 16, police found a pair of bloodstained trainers at his him.

He also had a noticeable hand injury, which is understood to be from his knife while attacking Saley.

Kamali was convicted on July 22 this year of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Two other men Abdi Ulusow, 28, of Hathaway Crescent, and Edson Bernardo, 26, of Carlton Avenue in Westcliff-on-Sea, appeared at the Old Bailey on July 3.

Abdi Ulusow was previously jailed (Image: Met Police) They pleaded guilty to affray and possession of an offensive weapon – a machete and pole – in connection with the incident.

The two were jailed for two years on July 24.

Saley’s family said in a statement: “Today marks a significant moment for our family as justice has finally been served in the case of our beloved brother, son, and friend — Saley Beya — who was brutally taken from us in August of last year.

“We welcome the court’s verdict with a mixture of relief and sorrow. Saley was a kind, generous, and deeply loved young man whose life was full of promise. His absence is felt every single day, and the pain of losing him in such a horrific way is something we will carry with us forever.”

Edson Bernardo has been jailed (Image: Met Police) Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, Specialist Crime North, said: “Saley’s family and loved ones have endured incredible pain and suffering over this past year as they have tried to come to terms with their terrible loss. I hope they can take some comfort in the fact his killer will be behind bars for a considerable period of time.

“Kamali’s actions that night were violent and deliberate. He went out armed with a knife – clearly intent on causing harm. We will never know what prompted his interaction with Saley, but it is clear he is a very dangerous individual with little regard for human life and I’m pleased the jury were able to recognise the threat he poses to the public.”