Heroic Woman Breaks Down Door to Save Neighbour from Fatal Attack
Roanna White was simply watching TV on February 11, 2021, when chaos erupted next door. The home of 22-year-old Alinjavwa Siwale and his younger brother Suwi became the scene of a brutal attack.
Bloodied Brother Seeks Help
Suwi suddenly vaulted Roanna’s garden fence, blood splattered across him. “My brother’s been attacked,” he said, desperate for help. Roanna called emergency services and tried to treat Suwi’s head wound, but he refused care, focused solely on his injured sibling.
As blue lights flashed nearby, Roanna rushed next door. The front door was barricaded. Undeterred, she kicked it thrice before squeezing through a gap. “It was pitch black inside. I was petrified, but adrenaline took over,” she recalled.
Life-Saving Efforts End in Tragedy
In the kitchen, she found Alinjavwa lying injured. Roanna immediately performed CPR. Police and paramedics soon joined her, but tragically, Alinjavwa, also known as rapper Swizzino, died at the scene. He was a young father and played football for Great Notley FC.
Murderers Sentenced, Hero Honoured
- Sheldon McKay, 25, and Phoenix Lee, 20, were convicted of murder and wounding with intent after a Chelmsford Crown Court trial.
- McKay faces a minimum of 23 years behind bars, with Lee ordered to serve at least 24 years.
“I was in shock. It wasn’t until I left the property and sat in the police car that the tears and fear came,” Roanna said. “In the moment, I wasn’t scared at all while helping someone.
“I didn’t expect recognition. I just did what any normal person would. The award really touched me.”
Roanna received the prestigious NPCC Police Public Bravery Awards Gold Medal from Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet.
“Roanna’s courage and selflessness were extraordinary. She risked extreme danger without hesitation to try to save a life. She truly deserves this honour.”
