FABRICE MPATA AND RIGOBERT NGAMBE SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN BIRMINGHAM

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Birmingham community, two men, Fabrice Mpata and Rigobert Ngambe, were convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a vulnerable woman. The incident unfolded in August 2022 within the Winson Green area, where the victim, who was unable to speak English and appeared to be lost, encountered Mpata.

According to court proceedings, Mpata, aged 39, approached the woman and offered to help her. Under the guise of assisting her, he convinced her to get into his vehicle, claiming he would drive her home. However, instead of fulfilling this promise, Mpata took her to an address in Bearwood. There, he subjected her to a sexual assault, raping her in what was described as a calculated act of exploitation.

Following this assault, Mpata again falsely claimed he was taking her home. Instead, he drove her to Newtown, where he committed another rape. The woman, in a state of distress and unable to communicate effectively due to language barriers, managed to escape from the vehicle. She was able to attract the attention of a passerby, who then took her to a hospital for medical treatment and to report the incident.

The authorities launched an investigation into the assaults, and crucial evidence was obtained through DNA analysis. This forensic evidence led to the identification and subsequent arrest of both Mpata and Ngambe. During interviews, Ngambe, aged 45, admitted to having sex with the woman but claimed that the encounter was consensual. However, this assertion was contradicted by the evidence indicating that the woman was not in a position to give consent, primarily due to her inability to communicate effectively and the circumstances of her vulnerability.

In court, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including DNA results, that confirmed the sexual assaults. Mpata was found guilty of two counts of rape and received a sentence of 19 years in prison. Ngambe was convicted of one count of rape and sentenced to 17 years. Both men will be required to register on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of their crimes and the impact on the victim.

This case highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals and underscores the importance of swift justice in cases of sexual violence. The Birmingham community continues to grapple with the aftermath of these events, and authorities remain committed to protecting victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.