Two men have been convicted of murder as detectives appeal to the public for help to locate an outstanding suspect.
David Walcott, 35, of Turle Road, Norbury and Rammon Mali, 33, of Valley Road, Croydon, were found guilty of the murder of Rijkaard Siafa on Wednesday, 26 February, at the Old Bailey, following a five-week trial.
Walcott was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.
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. 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.
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 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.
They are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date.
Detectives are continuing to offer a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charge of Jordan Vincent, who remains wanted for Rijkaard’s murder.
Townsend said, “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 Jordon 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.”
