On Tuesday, 12 November Himanshu Makwana, 42 of Thurlby Road, Wembley, was found guilty of two counts of rape at Harrow Crown Court (sitting at Willesden Magistrates).
The two offences were carried out on separate occasions, four years apart, but both with strikingly similar circumstances.
In April 2023, Makwana again posed as a 19-year-old man on Snapchat and started speaking to his second victim, who had only recently turned 16.
Shortly afterwards, he parked on a street close to the victim’s school and waited for her, before asking for her help.
The victim agreed and helped Makwana carry some books. He then locked her in his car and identified himself as ‘Samir’ which was the fake identity he had used on Snapchat.
After supplying the victim with alcohol, he drove her to an empty commercial premises, where he raped her.
Detective Constable Lewis Jelley who led the investigation said: “Makwana posed as a young man on social media in order to prey on young girls. He carried out a horrific act on one woman and then did it again a few years later. I am delighted that the jury has found him guilty after a painstaking investigation.
“I want to thank the two brave young women who came forward and reported the offences to us and how patient they were with the investigation. Without their courage, we would not be in the position we are today.
“This verdict shows how the Met is dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls. It does not matter how long ago an offence took place, we will work to secure a conviction.”
Makwana was arrested on 27 November 2023, the day after the second victim reported the incident, thanks to an image captured by a witness which showed Makwana’s car used in the incident. This enabled officers to locate the vehicle, and arrest Makwana.
Analysis of a DNA sample taken on his arrest identified him as the previously unknown suspect for the offence against the first victim in 2019.
He was then charged with the rapes of both victims on 22 December 2023, and remanded in custody ahead of trial.
Makwana will be sentenced at the same court on 17 January 2025.
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