Syed Ahmad has been jailed for life for the murder of his wife Anam Rafay
Syed Ahmad told officers: “Self defence, self defence, she attacked me.”(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
The moment a man who murdered his wife was arrested was caught on police body cam footage as he began weaving a twisted web of lies.
Anam Rafay, 36, was left at least 40 stab wounds following a brutal knife attack by her husband, Syed Ahmad, 45, at their home in Wythenshawe. He killed her on the morning of January 27 this year after he found out she wanted to divorce him.
Manchester Crown Court heard how Ahmad was controlling, abusive and violent towards Mrs Rafay over a number of years, including ‘kerb-crawling’ as she walked to walk; taking control of her wages; and repeatedly assaulting her. They had an arranged marriage when she was 16 and he was 25.
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In June last year, after falling in love with another man she met on social media, Mrs Rafay contacted a mufti – a divorce mediator – in Longsight to ask about obtaining a divorce application.
The following October she served that application on Ahmad who asked for mediation. She agreed to give him ‘one more chance to change’, but he never did.
Moment murderer is arrested after stabbing wife to death
The night before her death, Mrs Rafay told Ahmad she wanted a divorce. The following morning, he attacked her with a large kitchen knife, repeatedly stabbing her.
When she managed to get up and run to her next-door neighbour’s house for help, Ahmad chased her and continued the frenzied attack. One neighbour saw Ahmad grab hold of Mrs Rafay’s arm before stabbing her in the neck.
After, he was seen appearing to ‘smirk’ or ‘smile’. He then sent a message to a family WhatsApp group, as well as to Mrs Rafay’s father, saying: “I have killed my wife.”
Syed Ahmad was arrested at his home on Lulworth Gardens, Wythenshawe(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
Arrest footage shown to the court during his trial showed the terrifying moment officers came face-to-face with Ahmad. That video has now been released by Greater Manchester Police.
The clip begins in the hallway of the couple’s home. An officer is heard shouting up the stairs to Ahamad, before telling him to put his hands above his head.
Ahamad is handcuffed as screaming is heard. An officer cautions him, initially on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Ahmad pleads: “Self defence, self defence. She attacked me.”
Minutes later, as he is being searched, the officer asks where the knife is. “Inside… the kitchen, I think,” he says.
Syed Ahmad (Image: GMP)
Sentencing Ahmad, who dotted at his eyes and nose with a tissue throughout the hearing, judge Suzanne Goddard KC said: “It’s clear to me you could not accept the fact she was going to go through with the divorce, you were jealous she had another man. You decided that morning you could not tolerate the situation and you decided to kill her.”
“This was a sustained and brutal killing, she undoubtedly suffered pain and anguish. This was a brutal, deliberate and determined attack, you wanted to kill her.
“You sought to exaggerate your mental health, and you told lies whilst giving evidence.”
She told him: “Put your tissue away from your eyes/ I want you to look at me and listen to what I have to say.” Judge Goddard KC handed Ahmad a life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years and two months.
As the sentence was handed down, clapping could be heard from the public gallery.
Detective Inspector Neil Higginson from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “My thoughts, firstly, remain with Anam’s family and loved ones, who suffered an unimaginable loss as a result of Ahmad’s actions.
Ahmad told officers where the knife was he had used to kill his wife(Image: Greater Manchester Police)
“Anam’s tragic death was a result of Ahmad’s violent nature. This was a horrific, and cold-blooded attack, causing irreparable damage to a family, who were left to deal with the consequences of his actions.
“The sentencing passed today will ensure we keep a violent offender behind bars for a long time
“I would like to thank the victim’s family who have supported this investigation, and their strength throughout what is no doubt an incredibly difficult time, is no small feat.
“I would also like to thank all the members of the public who came forward to report to us and supported the victim at the time of the incident. Your reports are vital to our investigations, and played a huge role in helping us establish the full circumstances.
“Domestic abuse and violence has devastating and permanent consequences. We remain committed to bringing offenders before the courts and ensuring victims receive the protection and support they deserve.”