Man Convicted of Murdering Stranger on Night Out in East London
A man who stabbed a stranger during a night out in east London has been convicted of murder following a meticulous investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives.
Hamza Kamali, 29, of Henniker Road, Stratford, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 22 July of murdering 38-year-old Saley Beya in a violent knife attack outside a nightclub on Romford Road, E7, in the early hours of 10 August 2024.
Kamali was also convicted of possession of an offensive weapon and will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday 24 July.
Tragic Night Turns Deadly
Saley Beya had been enjoying a night out with friends, first attending a party in Stratford before arriving at the Romford Road nightclub around 2:30am.
Shortly after 3:30am, tensions escalated outside the venue when a dispute broke out between one of Saley’s friends and a group associated with Kamali. Kamali, armed with a knife, arrived shortly after and confronted Saley.
Following a brief exchange, Kamali stabbed Saley in the leg.
Despite trying to flee, Saley was chased by Kamali, who kicked at him multiple times before eventually abandoning the pursuit. Saley collapsed nearby from catastrophic blood loss. He was treated at the scene and rushed to hospital in cardiac arrest but died from his injuries on 29 August, nearly three weeks later.
Forensic Evidence and CCTV Sealed Conviction
Kamali was arrested on 16 August. A search of his home uncovered bloodstained trainers, and CCTV footage showed him tending to an injured hand—believed to have been caused by his own knife during the attack.
His blood was found at the crime scene, providing crucial forensic evidence that linked him directly to the stabbing.
In a further attempt to evade justice, Kamali was seen on CCTV changing clothes and discarding a plastic bag after returning home—its contents never recovered.
Detective’s Statement
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, from the Met’s Specialist Crime North unit, said:
“Saley’s family and loved ones have endured incredible pain and suffering over this past year and I am thinking of them today as they process this outcome.
Kamali’s actions that night were violent and deliberate. He went out armed with a knife—clearly intent on causing harm.”
Two Others Admit Roles in Affray
In connection with the same incident, two other men—Abdi Ulusow, 28, of Hathaway Crescent E12, and Edson Bernardo, 26, of Carlton Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea—pleaded guilty to affray and possession of offensive weapons, including a machete and a pole. They are also scheduled to be sentenced on 24 July.
