Convicted Rapist Who Attacked Lone Woman Caught By Phone App

A convicted rapist, who sexually assaulted his latest terrified victim and frogmarched her to a cashpoint, was snared within an hour thanks to the victim's 'find device' phone app.

Yanick Makunga, 34, will be locked-up for a minimum of just over five years after being traced via the woman's phone, which he had also pinched.

He pounced on the lone woman – aged in her thirties – outside her Dulwich home in the early hours of February 14.

Makunga, of Warwick Road, Croydon was originally charged with rape, but the prosecution dropped this allegation.

He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment; robbery; intent to commit a sexual offence and possession of cannabis.

At Inner London Crown Court he was made subject to a life sentence and must serve five years and fifty-seven days before he can be considered for parole.

He sexually assaulted the woman, while claiming he was armed with a knife and demanded money. 

He marched her to a local shop where she withdrew some cash from a cash machine before he left her.

However, when the victim returned home, Makunga was there. 

She ran off and went to a relative’s house and police were called.

During the incident, Makunga had stolen her mobile phone which had a “find device” app installed, tracking the movements of the phone.

Officers carried out fast-time enquiries and went to the locations the phone was transmitting, eventually identifying and arresting Makunga in George Street, Croydon. 

Upon being searched, he was found with other valuables belonging to the victim.

The woman received specialist support at a Haven.

The court heard that Makunga had a previous conviction for a rape committed in 2009.

Detective Constable Kara Eyre, of the South East Command Unit Safeguarding Team, said: “This was a terrifying attack which has left the victim traumatised. It is every woman’s worst nightmare.

“Even after her cries to stop, he did not hesitate to frogmarch the woman to a cashpoint and rob her, and then return to her home to continue to terrorise her.

“The attending officers had the foresight and instinct to quickly establish that the victim’s phone, which Makunga had stolen, could be traced. 

It ended up leading them right to their suspect, and detaining him so he couldn’t pose any further risk to the public.

“Makunga is a danger to women, and jail is the right place for him.”