How rapist Makwana used Snapchat to meet teenagers

Rapist Himanshu Makwana who was on Tuesday found guilty of raping two teenagers used Snapchat to meet his victims.

The 42-year-old Makwana raped two teenagers four years apart with ‘strikingly similar circumstances’.

Makwana of Thurlby Road, Wembley, was found guilty of two counts of rape at Harrow Crown Court, sitting at Willesden Magistrates.

Local media quoted Police as revealing that, in 2019, Makwana used a Snapchat account to communicate with his first victim, who was aged 18. After speaking for a few months, they decided to meet. He drove her to an empty office block, and once inside of the building, he raped her.

“The offence was reported to police at the time, but no suspect was identified. In April 2023, Makwana 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’ – the fake identity he had used on Snapchat.

“Then, after supplying the victim with alcohol, he drove her to an empty commercial premises, where he raped her. Makwana was arrested on November 27 2023, a day after the second victim reported the incident.

“His capture was thanks to an image taken by a witness which showed Makwana’s car. This enabled officers to locate the vehicle, and arrest him.

“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.

“Makwana was then charged with the rapes of both victims on December 22 2023, and remanded in custody ahead of trial. He will be sentenced at the same court on January 17 2025,” reported MyLondon.

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 have 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 tacking violence against women and girls. It does not matter how long ago an offence took place, we will work to secure a conviction.”