Brutal Murder in Kidbrooke: Man Confesses to Killing Stranger in Park
Koci Selamaj, 36, travelled all the way from Eastbourne to Kidbrooke’s Cator Park, where he hid in the bushes waiting for 28-year-old Sabina Nessa — a woman he didn’t know. He launched a savage attack, using a metal traffic warning sign as a weapon, before dumping her body and driving home.
Met Police Crack Case After Massive Investigation
In a huge operation across the Met, officers pieced together evidence from CCTV and forensics, leading to Selamaj’s arrest and guilty plea at the Old Bailey.
DCI Neil John, lead investigator, said: “Selamaj’s senseless attack robbed an innocent woman of her future. Her family and friends have had their lives shattered. Their strength to relive this in court is remarkable. This case was a team effort—key forensic evidence and CCTV footage left Selamaj no option but to plead guilty. It’s a relief for Sabina’s loved ones they didn’t have to endure a long trial.”
“His actions struck fear into women across London who should feel safe in public spaces at any time. The Met is relentless in tackling violence against women and bringing offenders to justice.”
Prosecutor Demands Justice for Sabina
Helen Ellwood, CPS London Homicide prosecutor, said: “Sabina Nessa was just 28 when her life was cruelly ended by a calculated, predatory attack by Selamaj—a stranger who showed little remorse. His cowardice devastated a family and hurt everyone who loved Sabina.
“Thanks to a meticulous police investigation, including extensive CCTV reviews and forensic work, we built a solid case leading to his guilty plea. The CPS remains committed to prosecuting violence against women and girls and hopes this conviction delivers some justice for Sabina’s family and friends.”
Met Police Step Up Fight Against Violence Targeting Women
The Met acknowledges the rising fears following this and other horrific crimes. They vow to keep violence against women their top priority with relentless action, including:
- Creating Predatory Offenders’ Units that have arrested over 2,500 suspects (half linked to domestic abuse) since November 2020.
- Rolling out 650 new officers in Town Centre teams to boost police visibility in city centres and high streets.
- Launching ‘walk and talk’ schemes where officers accompany women to discuss unsafe areas; this programme is now expanding city-wide.
- Increasing patrols in parks, transport hubs, and hotspot locations across London.
- Partnering with the hospitality sector to promote safety initiatives like ‘Ask for Angela’ in bars and clubs, training hundreds of staff to spot vulnerable people.
The Met has promised an updated Violence Against Women and Girls plan by the end of March, incorporating public feedback, independent reviews, and lessons from other forces to make London’s streets safer for all.
Selamaj will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 7 April.
