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Heartbroken family of Zeshan Afzal breaks silence while detectives scour digital evidence to end investigation stalemate. The grieving family of 18-year-old Zeshan Afzal have described him as a "light in our lives" as the hunt for his killers enters a high-stakes phase of digital forensic analysis. Fresh details emerging from those closest to the teenager paint a picture of a young man deeply devoted to his faith and family, shattering online misconceptions about the nature of the fatal altercation outside the Jamia Masjid on Oldbury Road. Close friend Rajab Arshad, who witnessed the harrowing medical efforts to save Zeshan just minutes after they prayed together, revealed that the 18-year-old was actively saving money for his Hajj pilgrimage and was known for his melodic recitations of the Quran, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
Read more-Smethwick Mosque Tragedy: Zeshan Afzal Identified as Victim
Family Statement and Heartfelt Legacy Project-In a moving tribute released alongside a GoFundMe appeal that has already surpassed £6,000, Zeshan’s family expressed the "indescribable pain" of losing him during the sacred month of Ramadan. They are now focusing on establishing Sadaqah Jariyah—an ongoing charity—in his name to ensure his kindness continues to benefit others. Relatives confirmed that Zeshan had recently shared a poignant message in memory of his late mother, just days before he was killed. The family has specifically requested that the public respect their privacy as they navigate the procedural delays currently holding back the finalization of his funeral rites.
Read more -Manhunt Intensifies: Zeshan Afzal’s Killers Evade Capture as Smethwick Gripped by Silence
Police Breakthrough Search and Forensic Hurdles- West Midlands Police have confirmed that the extensive cordon on Oldbury Road has now been lifted, yet the homicide investigation remains at a critical juncture with no suspects in custody. Detectives are now focusing on a "digital net," utilizing the Major Incident Public Portal to process dashcam footage from vehicles passing the mosque between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM on Friday. Investigators believe the key to identifying the attackers lies in the movements of specific vehicles seen fleeing toward the Smethwick and Oldbury borders. While the two other victims, aged 19 and 22, are assisting with descriptions, the absence of a weapon recovery or immediate detention has kept the local community on high alert.
Janaza and Post-Mortem Status Update- The timeline for Zeshan’s Janaza (funeral) remains strictly tied to the Home Office pathologist's final report. As the case is a high-profile murder inquiry, the coroner’s office must ensure all forensic evidence is secured before the teenager's body can be released for burial. Local mosque officials at Jamia Masjid have urged the community to rely solely on official mosque announcements for the funeral schedule, warning against the spread of unverified dates on social media. The delay, while standard in homicide cases, has added a layer of profound grief for a family wishing to lay their "pure-hearted" son to rest during the final weeks of Ramadan.
Community Response and Misinformation Warning-Friends of the victim have issued a stern plea to the public to stop the spread of speculative rumors regarding the motive behind the attack. They emphasize that Zeshan was a "good lad" with ambitious business dreams who was tragically caught in a "violent disorder." West Midlands Police reiterated today that there is still no evidence to suggest the stabbing was racially or religiously motivated, despite its proximity to the place of worship. As the investigation enters its fourth day, the pressure remains on the Homicide Unit to turn their digital leads into the first arrests of the case.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact West Midlands Police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111, quoting log 4896 of 20 February.
