Orpington: Man charged with murder of 16-year-old Tafari Thompson-Mintah

A man has been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old boy in south-east London, the Met Police has said.

Tafari Thompson-Mintah was riding his moped along Sevenoaks Way in St Paul’s Cray, Orpington when he was involved in a collision at about 3.30pm on Monday October 9.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

Joseph Barnes, 40, was arrested on Thursday October 12 on suspicion of murder and then charged on Saturday October 14.

He is due to appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday October 16.

Tafari’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by officers, said the Met police.

His family has launched a fundraiser to pay for his funeral.

In a statement on the GoFundMe page they wrote: “We are heart broken by the sudden, tragic and devastating loss of our son, Tafari Mintah. On October 9 my beautiful son, only 16 years old was tragically killed by a hit and run driver in Sevenoaks Way at approximately 3:32pm. Our family and friends are so distraught as Tafari had his whole life ahead of him.

“We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and if you feel you would like to support us with this profound loss we kindly ask for your financial support to help with giving Tafari a burial fit for a King. He did not deserve to pass away so suddenly and before his time.

“No one should have to deal with such a sudden loss of a child, brother,grandson or uncle. Tafari has left behind four siblings.”