Harjinder Singh Bhurji

Devastated sister hopes reward will help find Clayhall killer

by Amanda Nunn Thursday, September 20, 2012
11:58 AM

A sister of a man murdered a year ago for his car said she hopes the £20,000 reward money from the police will encourage people to come forward.

Harjinder Singh Bhurji was stabbed in the chest on September 13 last year, but police are yet to find who was responsible.

His sister Rasvinder Johal, 30, of Chigwell, said: “I hope this reward encourages somebody to just give a name or if they saw anything. It might still help.

“The police do know bits and bobs and it might help to complete that jigsaw.”

Mr Bhurji, 32, of Highbury Gardens, Ilford, was killed for his Mercedes CLK coupe.

Police want to speak to a man described as black, about 6ft 2in and slim, who was wearing a grey beanie hat, grey hoodie and dark coloured bandana. The reward was announced on Wednesday of last week.

Mrs Johal said: “I didn’t expect someone to be caught straight away.

“I think it will just take time, we have been so patient for a whole year, we are used to being patient and leaving it in the police’s hands.”

As reported in last week’s Recorder as Mr Bhurji’s family appealed for help on the anniversary of his death, the mechanic was in his car with a female friend in Stoneleigh Road, Clayhall, at about 1am.

The killer opened the door, dragged his friend out of the car and then went round to the driver’s side.

Abandoned

Before Mr Bhurji had time to hand over the keys he was stabbed, and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

The car was abandoned in Chingford the same night.

Police are offering the reward for any information which leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or people involved.

Det Insp Andy Yeats said: “We hope the offer of this large reward will encourage people to come forward and approach us with any information in confidence.”

Anyone with information should call 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.