A savage axe and cricket bat attack on two men near Canterbury has sparked a gripping attempted murder trial, exposing chilling ties to human trafficking gangs.
Brutal Ambush on A2 at Dawn
The terrifying assault unfolded around 5.30am on December 14 last year, on the London-bound A2 near the A28 Wincheap junction. Victims Nasrat Ahmadzai, 24, and Uber driver Aleem Marufkhail, 32, were violently attacked after their Seat Leon was forced off the road by a Mercedes-Benz driven by one of the suspects.
Nasrat was left face-down in a pool of blood with life-threatening head injuries, needing an emergency airlift to King’s College Hospital. Aleem tried to fight back against the axe- and cricket bat-wielding attackers but suffered skull fractures and deep wounds.
Afghan Men Face Attempted Murder Charges
At Canterbury Crown Court, Esmatullah Paktiawal, 36, from Plymouth, and Dawood Khan, 28, from north London, stand accused. Both deny attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, and possession of offensive weapons.
Paktiawal was living at Folkestone’s Napier Barracks, a former military base for asylum seekers, when the attack happened.
Dark Links to Human Trafficking Revealed
Prosecutor Amanda Hamilton told jurors the assault is tied to human trafficking networks. “You will hear a lot about their involvement in trafficking as background,” she said. Although the precise motive remains unclear, police suspect smuggling activities triggered the vicious attack.
A Romanian lorry driver spotted suspicious behaviour before the assault — two Mercedes cars tried to force him off a lay-by. Later, an Afghan man was found hiding in his trailer, connected by fingerprints and WhatsApp messages to Khan’s vehicle.
Witnesses Describe ‘Chaotic Movie Scene’ of Violence
- 18-year-old passenger Faizullah Ahmadzai (no relation) said attackers forced the car to stop, dragged out Nasrat and Aleem, and began savagely striking them with weapons. He fled, fearing for his life.
- A passing taxi driver dialled 999 and warned paramedics one victim was close to death.
- Blood-stained Mercedes linked to the suspects was found days later in a London car park via CCTV and tracking.
Defendants Stick to Denials Amid Mounting Evidence
Both men deny all allegations and have not sought help after leaving their victims gravely injured. Prosecutors claim they “acted in concert” to carry out a deadly attack.
Paktiawal arrived back at Napier Barracks with bloodied injuries, claiming he fell on a fence. Khan was caught trying to flee the country days later.
The six-week trial presses on as the jury digs through the shocking truth behind this brutal dawn attack on the A2.
