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Widening investigation sees total of three suspects in custody as police analyze "digital footprints" for pre-meditation.
The murder investigation into the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Zeshan Afzal has reached a critical turning point today, Friday, February 27, 2026, with the official confirmation of two additional arrests. West Midlands Police have confirmed that two boys, aged 16 and 17, were taken into custody this afternoon in the Sandwell area on suspicion of murder. These fresh detentions come less than 24 hours after a separate 17-year-old was formally charged with Zeshan's death, signaling a major expansion of the case that began after a violent disorder on Oldbury Road.
Read More: Smethwick Mourns as Zeshan Afzal Janaza Confirmed Following Murder Charge
Verified Arrests and Custody Status
As of 12:47 PM today, West Midlands Police formally announced that the two newly arrested teenagers are being held for questioning. This brings the total number of individuals in the judicial system to three. While the first 17-year-old has already undergone a preliminary hearing at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court and remains remanded in secure youth detention, the two latest suspects are being interrogated to establish their specific roles in the "targeted" attack. Detectives have indicated that these arrests were the result of an intensive review of CCTV and mobile device data recovered from the scene on the night of February 20.
Read More: Zeshan Afzal Murder: Forensic Breakthrough as Janaza Nears
Advanced Forensic and Digital Investigation
The investigation has now shifted from the physical crime scene to a sophisticated analysis of "digital footprints." Specialized units are currently combing through encrypted messaging data from seized mobile phones, looking for evidence of pre-meditation or a pre-arranged meeting that led to the fatal encounter. Despite the three arrests, the primary murder weapon remains unrecovered. Specialized police dive teams and search units have been deployed today near the Smethwick Galton Bridge area, specifically focusing on the canal network and dense shrubbery based on GPS data analyzed from a vehicle linked to the suspects.
Judicial Path and Next Steps for the CPS
With three suspects now in custody, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is preparing for what is expected to be a joint trial. The two other victims of the disorder, aged 19 and 22, have been discharged from medical care and are reportedly providing key witness statements to the Homicide Unit. The primary suspect's case is being fast-tracked to the Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing, which is expected to be scheduled for early next week. Police have maintained a heightened visible presence in Smethwick this evening to provide community reassurance as the investigative team continues to process forensic evidence from today's multiple arrests.
