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Police hit investigation stalemate as community waits for justice and Janaza confirmation
As of 6:40 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026, West Midlands Police have confirmed that the manhunt for the killers of 18-year-old Zeshan Afzal has reached a critical 48-hour stalemate with no suspects currently in custody. Despite an intensive forensic sweep and the recovery of local CCTV, detectives from the Homicide Unit have yet to announce any breakthroughs or detentions following the triple stabbing that occurred outside the Jamia Masjid mosque on Oldbury Road. The absence of arrests as the weekend concludes has intensified pressure on authorities to provide answers to a community already reeling from the violence that took place during the holy month of Ramadan.
Investigation Focus and Survivor Status
The primary focus of the investigation remains centered on identifying the individuals involved in the violent disorder that preceded Zeshan’s death. While two other victims, aged 19 and 22, continue their recovery in a stable condition, their witness statements are being meticulously cross-referenced with digital evidence from doorbell cameras and dashcam footage. Officers have been stationed along the Oldbury Road corridor throughout Sunday to reassure residents, yet the lack of a suspect profile or arrest indicates that those responsible may have successfully evaded immediate capture by fleeing the scene via multiple routes shortly after 9:00 PM on Friday night.
Janaza and Post-Mortem Delays
For the British Pakistani community and the Afzal family, the grief is compounded by procedural delays as the mandatory post-mortem examination enters its final stages. Because this is a murder inquiry, the coroner must provide a definitive forensic cause of death before the body can be released for Janaza (funeral) rites. As of Sunday evening, no formal time or location for the burial has been confirmed, and community members are being urged to wait for official notifications through local mosque and community networks. The family has continued to request privacy, asking that well-wishers refrain from visiting their home address until the Janaza is officially announced.
Community Tension and Motive Analysis
Despite the stabbing occurring near a place of worship, West Midlands Police have maintained their stance that there is no evidence currently suggesting a racial or religious motive. A deeper analysis by Daily Dazzling Dawn suggests that investigators are likely treating the attack as a targeted incident stemming from a localized dispute. However, the high-profile nature of the crime—occurring at a mosque during Ramadan—has made the investigation a top priority for the force. The coming hours are considered vital, as digital forensic teams analyze "clean" images of potential suspects to prevent them from moving beyond the West Midlands region.
Urgent Call for Evidence
Authorities are reiterating their call for any person with digital media or information to come forward immediately. They are specifically looking for footage from Friday, February 20, between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Anyone who can assist is urged to use the dedicated Public Portal or call 101, quoting log number 4896 of 20 February.
