NPA confident of conviction in Amantle Samane murder case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is confident that Pethe Sara Simiao, the Mozambican national accused of raping and murdering six-year-old Amantle Samane, will be convicted when the matter goes to trial.

Simiao made his final appearance in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday as his case was transferred to the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.

He faces charges of kidnapping, rape, murder, and contravention of the Immigration Act after it was established that he was in South Africa illegally.

Amantle Samane murder case set for pre-trial

During Monday’s proceedings, the magistrate informed Simiao — through a Portuguese interpreter — that his legal representative had officially been served with an indictment and would now stand trial in the high court.

“I’m informed that the indictment is now ready and the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided that you’ll be arraigned on four counts,” said the magistrate.

The court also confirmed that the case has been scheduled for a pre-trial conference on 9 May.

Simiao was remanded in custody.

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NPA Gauteng regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana said the state is fully prepared and will present a strong case aimed at securing justice for the young victim and her family.

“We are ready to present a formidable case before the high court. We have concluded the process of consultation.

“We have lined up our witnesses, and the commitment that we can give is that justice will be delivered,” she said.

Simiao, who abandoned his bail application, was previously hospitalised after being assaulted in jail.

When he appeared in court on 1 November 2024, the accused complained of injuries to his stomach, legs, and body.

Suspect arrest

The suspect was arrested last October at a house in Zola, Soweto.

This came just two days after Samane’s body was discovered in a shack in Orlando East.

Her body was found following a desperate search by her family and neighbours after she went missing.

The young girl was last seen on 21 October, playing with other children in the street.

It is alleged that Simiao abducted and sexually assaulted the child before fatally strangling her.

Investigations also revealed that Simiao had entered South Africa illegally in 2022 using a Mozambican passport, which is only set to expire in 2027.

He never legally returned to Mozambique, thus violating immigration laws.

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