Ambushed and stabbed 13 times: London killers convicted in Croydon murder

Two men have been found guilty of murder following a fatal stabbing in Croydon, as detectives continue their search for a third suspect.

David Walcott, 35, of Turle Road, Norbury, and Rammon Mali, 33, of Valley Road, Croydon, were convicted at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 26 February, for the murder of 22-year-old Rijkaard Siafa.

The Met Police said their convictions followed a five-week trial.

Walcott was also found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon.

According to the police, emergency services were called to Fellmongers Yard, Croydon, on Friday, 12 April 2024, after reports of a stabbing.

Members of the public attempted to provide first aid before police, London Ambulance Service, and London’s Air Ambulance arrived.

Despite their efforts, Rijkaard succumbed to his injuries at the scene just 30 minutes later.

During the trial, both Walcott and Mali admitted being present but denied being responsible for the stabbing. However, the jury unanimously found them guilty.

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. He didn’t stand a chance.”

The court heard that Rijkaard had been at a friend’s flat near Fellmongers Yard before leaving to meet his partner. Within minutes of stepping outside, he was ambushed and stabbed 13 times.

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

Detectives reviewed over 100 hours of CCTV footage, identifying both suspects. A swift manhunt led officers to Walcott, who was arrested at an address on Lewin Road, SW16, on Friday, 19 April 2024, and charged the following day. Mali fled the UK on Tuesday, 16 April, but was arrested at Gatwick Airport upon his return on Sunday, 5 May, and charged the next day.

The pair will be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date.

Meanwhile, police are still searching for Jordan Vincent, who remains wanted in connection with Rijkaard’s murder.

A reward of up to £10,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest and charge.

DCI Townsend urged the public to come forward, stating: “Even though Walcott and Mali have been convicted for the murder of Rijkaard, our investigation continues.

“Rijkaard was only 22 and had his full life ahead of him – our team remains resolute in helping them secure justice and need the public’s help to do so.

“I am grateful to all those who have come forward so far, but we are appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences to help us locate Jordan Vincent. If you have any information – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – I would urge you to get in contact as this could prove to be crucial.”