Heroic Neighbour Risks All to Save Murder Victim
Roanna White was chilling in front of the telly on 11 February 2021 when chaos erupted next door. At the home of brothers 22-year-old Alinjavwa Siwale and his younger sibling Suwi, trouble was brewing.
Curious, Roanna went to investigate. Suddenly, Suwi leapt over the garden fence, blood pouring from a head wound, desperate for help.
He told Roanna his brother had been attacked. Without hesitation, she called 999 and tried to patch up Suwi’s cut. But the young man refused aid, more worried about Alinjavwa’s condition.
Roanna Breaks into House, Performs CPR in Dark
Roanna spotted flashing blue lights racing toward the scene. She dashed to the next door house to assist.
“The door was barricaded so I kicked it three times and squeezed through a small gap,” Roanna recalled. “It was pitch black with no lights on. I was petrified but adrenaline kept me going.”
Inside the kitchen, she found Alinjavwa lying badly injured. Roanna immediately sprung into action, performing life-saving CPR. Paramedics and police arrived moments later but, heartbreakingly, Alinjavwa died at the scene.
Tragic Loss of Talented Rapper and Dad
Known as Swizzino, Alinjavwa was a passionate rapper, doting dad to a young son, and a footballer for Great Notley FC.
After a gripping trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Sheldon McKay, 25, and Phoenix Lee, 20, were found guilty of murder and wounding with intent. Both were jailed for life, with McKay locked up for a minimum of 23 years and Lee for 24.
Bravery Award for Roanna: “I Wasn’t Scared at the Time”
“I was in shock,” Roanna said. “It wasn’t until I left and sat in the police car that I lost it – tears and fear hit me all at once. But at that moment, when helping someone, I wasn’t scared at all.”
Roanna was surprised to be honoured but welcomed the recognition. “I’m touched because I didn’t think I did anything out of the ordinary. I had a few tears when I got the award. I’m very happy.”
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet presented Roanna with the NPCC Police Public Bravery Awards Gold Medal, praising her heroic actions.
“Roanna’s courage and selflessness were extraordinary. She faced unknown danger without hesitation to try to save a man fatally wounded. She truly deserves this recognition.”
