Love Rival Stabbed to Death on Busy London Bus
Oscar Castano-Colque, 21, has been locked up for life after brutally stabbing his love rival, 20-year-old Rafioullah Malik, on a packed Oxford Street bus. The shocking attack happened on February 28 last year, with Castano-Colque repeatedly plunging a flick knife into Malik’s head in front of terrified passengers.
Jealous Rage Sparked Deadly Assault
The savage crime was laid bare at Croydon Crown Court, where it emerged that jealousy over Castano-Colque’s pregnant girlfriend, Sanaa Taha, drove him to violence. Taha had ended their relationship after discovering his cheating. Despite her clear refusals, Castano-Colque refused to let go and desperately tried to win her back.
Just moments before the deadly attack, Taha texted him to say she planned to meet her new partner — Malik. Prosecutor Edward Brown KC said Castano-Colque’s furious stalking continued even after this final rejection.
Horrified Passengers Witness Fatal Knife Attack
CCTV footage showed Castano-Colque launch a brutal and unprovoked assault on Malik, fatally injuring him in seconds. Witnesses described the attacker as agitated and frantic; passengers initially thought it was a punch before spotting the knife. Despite Sanaa Taha’s attempts to intervene, Castano-Colque fled the scene without a shred of remorse.
Fake Psychosis Claim Fails to Save Killer
After his arrest, Castano-Colque tried to dodge justice by faking psychosis during psychiatric assessments. Investigators saw through his ruse, and he later pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a bladed weapon.
At sentencing, Judge Peter Gower KC slammed the attack as savage and premeditated. He criticised Castano-Colque’s attempts to hide evidence and highlighted his previous weapon convictions, while also acknowledging the defendant’s troubled background and mental health issues.
Judge Gower handed down a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years and six months. He stressed that jealousy and rejection never justify cold-blooded murder.
Lost Dreams and Heartbreak
The victim, Rafioullah Malik, fled war-torn Afghanistan to build a better life in the UK. His tragic death has devastated family and friends, cutting short the future of a young man full of hope and potential.
