Sussex Police have released today a Brighton man was sentenced to a sixteen year prison sentence for the rape of a 16 year old girl, and possession and intent to supply class-A drugs at Lewes Crown Court yesterday, on the 23rd May.
During a seven day trial, the jury heard that in August 2017 Mpilo Mthunzi, aged 38, took the sixteen year old girl to one side at a party, and persuaded her to take cocaine before raping her in a bedroom and then returning to the party. The terrified girl reluctantly told her friends about the traumatic experience, and when the police were eventually informed, they dealt with the incident immediately and Mthunzi was quickly arrested.
Mthunzi, of Hereford Road, Brighton, has been given two sentences that will run consecutively: the first is a nine year sentence for rape. The second is seven years for possession and intent to supply a class-A drug. In addition to the prison sentences totaling 16 years, Mthunzi will also be a registered sex offender for life, and recieved a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his access to women under the age of eighteen.
Detective Constable Sophie Tullett of the Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit has said that “This was an appalling experience for the young and very vulnerable girl […] Mthunzi manipulated and coerced her into a situation which rapidly escalated out of her control, leaving her traumatised and struggling to cope with her life.”
If you, or anyone you know, feels affected by these issues, you are advised to call the police on 101, or online, and quote Operation Rock. They will ensure you are supported, and you can talk to an investigator in complete confidence.
