Amantle Samane’s killer sentenced to life in prison

Zuko Komisa

Phethe Simiao, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, has been sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane.
Simiao pleaded guilty to the charges, which also included contravening the Immigration Act, at the Johannesburg High Court.
The victim’s body was found in the accused’s shack in Orlando, Soweto, in October of last year.

A 25-year-old Mozambican national, Phethe Simiao, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the kidnapping, rape, and murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane.

The sentence was handed down at the Johannesburg High Court on Monday.

Simiao admitted to the charges, which also included contravention of the Immigration Act.

The young victim’s body was discovered in Simiao’s shack in Orlando, Soweto, in October of last year.

BREAKINGNEWS: Phethe Simiao has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, life imprisonment for murder, 2 years for kidnapping and 2 years for being in South Africa illegally

Judge William Karam says Simiao satisfied his perverted desires when he committed the heinous crime. KH… https://t.co/GLVYFOTw3B pic.twitter.com/E9m4SRe2Nc

— Kaya News (@KayaNews) September 1, 2025

During pre-sentencing proceedings, Amantle’s mother provided an emotional testimony, detailing the devastating impact of her daughter’s death on the family.

She had previously asked the court to impose at least three life sentences on Simiao.