Kozma Papa has pleaded guilty to the murder of Bledi Petraj in Queen Elizabeth’s Drive in Southgate last February

A man has admitted to murder following a fight on a Southgate street last February.

Kozma Papa, aged 22 and of Fairview Road, Cheltenham, appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday (24th) where he pleaded guilty to the murder of Bledi Petraj, aged 37.

Papa was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Friday, 6th December.

The fatal stabbing took place on Sunday, 4th February, at around 2pm in Queen Elizabeth’s Drive. Bledi, from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, was found with stab injuries and died later the same day.

Papa was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers in a car that was stopped in Hertfordshire within hours of the stabbing. He was charged the following day with murder.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Goode said: “We know that on the day of the murder the victim pulled over in his car on Queen Elizabeth’s Drive. Papa pulled in behind him and both men got out of their cars and immediately started to fight. A fight that ended in a senseless loss of life.

“It has never been established why they fought, but whatever the reason for the confrontation, I know it wouldn’t justify the loss felt by Bledi’s family and the years that Papa will now spend in prison.

“I am pleased that this guilty plea will spare Bledi’s family the experience of a criminal trial – my thoughts are with them today.”

A 30-year-old man, who was also arrested as part of the investigation, was released without further action.

No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.  

More information on supporting us monthly or yearly 

More Information about donations