Rijkaard Siafa murder, Croydon: Pair sentenced to prison

David Walcott, 35, of Turle Road, Norbury and Rammon Mali, 33, of Valley Road, Croydon were sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa. 

The pair appeared at the Old Bailey today (April 17) to receive their sentences following a five-week trial. 

Rijkaard was found stabbed in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon on April 12 last year after emergency services were alerted to a stabbing. 

He died at the scene 30 minutes later after members of the public attempted to administer first aid before emergency responders, including London’s Air Ambulance, arrived. 

Rijkaard was stabbed 13 times (Image: Metropolitan Police) The court heard how Rijkaard had been making his way to see his partner after leaving a friend’s flat near Fellmongers Yard when he was attacked and stabbed thirteen times. 

Walcott and Mali fled from the scene of the incident into a pub in Katharine Street, ordering themselves three pints of beer. 

During the trial, the pair admitted to being present at the scene of the crime but claimed they were not the only ones responsible for stabbing Rijkaard. 

An investigation was launched and Walcott and Mali were identified by police after more than 100 hours of CCTV footage was reviewed. 

Walcott was arrested at an address on Lewin Road, Streatham on April 19, 2024, and charged with murder the next day. 

Mali fled the country days after the murder and was arrested at Gatwick Airport upon his return on May 5, 2024 before being charged with murder the next day. 

They were both found guilty by a unanimous decision by the jury. 

Hassanatu Bah, Rijkaard’s 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.

The pair ordered three pints at a pub just a short distance from the crime scene (Image: Metropolitan Police) “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.”

Det Chf Insp 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.

Jordan Vincent is wanted by police (Image: Metropolitan Police) “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.”

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