Croydon Murder Appeal: Siafa Case, Vincent Sought (Croydon, 2026)

Key Points

• Rijkaard Siafa, 23, was stabbed to death in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon, on 12 April 2024.
• David Walcott, 35, of Turle Road, Norbury, and Rammon Mali, 33, of Valley Road, Croydon, were convicted of murder on 26 February 2025 after a five-week trial at the Old Bailey.
• Both were jailed for 27 years each on 17 April 2025.
• Jordan Vincent, 29, from south London, remains at large and wanted in connection with the murder; a £10,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
• Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend leads the investigation and has renewed the public appeal on the second anniversary.
• Rijkaard Siafa’s mother, Hassanatu Bah, appealed for information, stating the family seeks justice.
• Police were called to reports of a stabbing; despite efforts by officers, the London Ambulance Service, the London Air Ambulance, and public first aid, Siafa died at the scene 30 minutes later.
• Contact details: Police incident room on 0208 721 4961 (Op Biscot) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Croydon (South Londodn News) April 10, 2026 – Detectives investigating the murder of Rijkaard Siafa in Croydon are renewing their appeal for information on the second anniversary of his death, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Service.

What Happened on the Night of the Murder?

Croydon, the scene of a brutal stabbing in Fellmongers Yard off Surrey Street market, saw 23-year-old Rijkaard Siafa lose his life on Friday, 12 April 2024, after police responded to reports of a stabbing around 18:00 BST.

Officers arrived with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, where members of the public had already begun first aid efforts, but Siafa died at the scene 30 minutes later.

As detailed in court proceedings covered by BBC News, Siafa had left a friend’s flat near Fellmongers Yard when he encountered three men.

He appeared to recognise the group and attempted to flee, but was chased into the yard where he was trapped. Over a 19-second period captured on CCTV, the attackers inflicted at least 13 stab wounds, as reported by Inside Croydon.

Following the attack, the three men walked to the nearby Spread Eagle pub on Croydon High Street, ordered three pints of Guinness, and paid with a £20 note, according to evidence presented at the Old Bailey and reported by Sky News and Inside Croydon. They left unfinished drinks after staff asked them to remove their hats and called a taxi from Katharine Street.

Who Are the Convicted Murderers and What Did the Court Hear?

David Walcott, then 35, of Turle Road, Norbury (born 18.08.89), and Rammon Mali, then 33, of Valley Road, Croydon (born 08.12.91), were unanimously found guilty of Siafa’s murder by a jury at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, following a five-week trial.

In court, as reported by Inside Croydon, Walcott and Mali admitted being present at the scene but denied carrying out the stabbing; Walcott claimed he only found a knife there.

The jury rejected their accounts. Judge Anuja Dhir KC described the attack as a “planned, quick and brutal” premeditated killing, noting they had been searching for Siafa that afternoon.

Both men had extensive criminal histories, with nearly 30 previous convictions between them for offences including GBH, common assault, and robbery, as revealed during sentencing and covered by Inside Croydon. On Thursday, 17 April 2025, they were each sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, leading the investigation for the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, stated post-conviction, as quoted by Inside Croydon:

“The defendants acted together, as a team. They had been looking for Rijkaard during the afternoon of Friday, April 12 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.”

Why is the police renewing the Appeal Now?

On the second anniversary, 10 April 2026, detectives renewed their call for help to locate Jordan Vincent, 29, believed to be from south London, who remains wanted for Siafa’s murder. A £10,000 reward from Crimestoppers is available for information leading to his arrest and conviction, as confirmed in Metropolitan Police updates and Inside Croydon coverage.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend said, as reported by the Metropolitan Police Service:

“Two years on from this horrific murder, our thoughts remain with Rijkaard’s family and friends. Rijkaard lost his life at a young age due to the actions of David Walcott and Rammon Mali, two dangerous and unpredictable individuals who have now been put behind bars. We are grateful to those who have come forward so far to help us with our investigation. It is clear from those enquiries that the defendants acted as a team to find and viciously attack Rijkaard.

We are renewing our appeal to the public for their help in finding the outstanding suspect, Vincent, wanted for Rijkaard’s murder. Any information could help us trace his whereabouts. My team will continue to work tirelessly to bring all those responsible to justice. We are determined to do so and appeal for those who could help to come forward.”

The investigation involved reviewing over 100 hours of CCTV footage, which identified Walcott and Mali. Walcott was arrested at an address on Lewin Road, SW16, while Mali fled the country on 16 April 2024 but was apprehended at Gatwick Airport on 5 May 2024.

What Are the Family’s Statements?

Hassanatu Bah, Rijkaard Siafa’s mother, expressed her ongoing grief in a statement covered by the Metropolitan Police Service:

“Rijkaard was deeply loved and is missed every day. Even after two years, the pain has not changed. We are grateful for the police support throughout. We are asking anyone with information to please come forward. No family should have to go through this. We just want answers and justice for Rijkaard.”

How Can the Public Help?

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact the police incident room on 0208 721 4961, quoting Operation Biscot. For 100 per cent anonymity, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org. Information can also be submitted via the Public Portal.

Earlier appeals, such as in December 2024 by the Evening Standard, named Vincent as a suspect and highlighted the reward.

Background of the Development

The murder occurred amid ongoing concerns about knife crime in south London, particularly in Croydon, where Surrey Street market and Fellmongers Yard are busy public areas.

Rijkaard Siafa, aged 23 at the time (noted as 22 in some initial reports), was attacked in a premeditated incident involving three men armed with knives and a machete. The convictions of Walcott and Mali followed detailed CCTV analysis and public tips, marking progress but leaving the case incomplete without Vincent’s arrest. This anniversary appeal continues a series of public calls by the Metropolitan Police since April 2024.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Croydon Residents

This ongoing appeal for Jordan Vincent could encourage Croydon residents to provide tips, potentially leading to his arrest and full closure for Siafa’s family. It may heighten community vigilance around knife crime in areas like Surrey Street, prompting more reports of suspicious activity to police.

Residents might experience continued police presence in the area during the search, affecting local routines near Fellmongers Yard and the Spread Eagle pub. For families in South London boroughs, it underscores the persistence of investigations into stabbings, possibly influencing public trust in justice delivery if Vincent is apprehended. The £10,000 reward could motivate witnesses who previously hesitated, impacting the speed of resolution for similar cases in the community.