Two men have been jailed for murdering a man in Croydon

Two men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 50 years for the murder of a man in Croydon as detectives continue appeal for the public’s help to locate an outstanding suspect.

David Walcott, 35 (18.08.89) of Turle Road, Norbury and Rammon Mali, 33 (08.12.91) of Valley Road, Croydon, were each sentenced on Thursday, 17 April at the Old Bailey to 27 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa.

They were convicted of his murder on Wednesday, 26 February at the same court, following a five-week trial.

A murder investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a man stabbed in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon on Friday, 12 April 2024.

A number of members of the public attempted to provide first aid, before police, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived at the scene. Sadly, despite their efforts, Rijkaard died at the scene only 30 minutes later.

In court, Walcott and Mali claimed that they were present, but were not the ones who stabbed Rijkaard. However, they were unanimously found guilty of murder by the jury.

Hassanatu Bah, Rijkaard mother, said:

“Anyone who knew Rijkaard would tell you how truly special he was. He had a soul so gentle and a heart so kind that his love and care touched everyone around him. His dreams were big, his zest for life unmatched. He was driven by hope and ambition, and his future was filled with endless possibilities - dreams that were cruelly stolen from him.

“But let me assure you, Rijkaard’s story doesn’t end here. I will carry his torch for as long as I live. Everything he dreamed of, everything he wanted to accomplish, I would do my best to see it through. His name will not be forgotten.”

The court heard that on the day of the murder Rijkaard had been at a friend’s flat near Fellmongers Yard, before leaving to meet his partner. Only a few minutes after leaving the flat, he had been stabbed 13 times.

After the attack, Walcott and Mali immediately fled the scene. They then went to a pub on nearby Katharine Street, where they ordered three pints of beer.

As part of the investigation, officers viewed more than 100 hours of CCTV and were subsequently able to identify both Walcott and Mali.

A fast-paced manhunt was launched and a few days’ later officers were able to track Walcott to an address on Lewin Road, SW16. He was arrested on Friday, 19 April 2024 and charged the following day.

Mali fled the country on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. He was arrested at Gatwick Airport upon his return on Sunday, 5 May 2024 and charged the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:

“Our thoughts very much remain with Rijkaard’s family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendants failed to take responsibility for their actions.

“The defendants acted together, as a team. They had been looking for Rijkaard during the afternoon of Friday, 12 April and when they found him, they viciously attacked him.

“It’s clear Walcott and Mali are dangerous and unpredictable individuals and I am relieved they will remain behind bars for a significant period of time.

“I am extremely grateful to those who have come forward so far, however Jordan Vincent remains wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa and my team remains determined to bring all of those responsible to justice.

“I am appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences and assist us with the whereabouts of Jordan Vincent. There is a £10,000 reward available for information which leads to his arrest and conviction. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is – please get in contact, it could be crucial.”

Information, images or footage can be provided at Public Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W40-PO1

Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 0208 721 4961 referencing Op Biscot. To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.