By Doreen Mokgolo
Angry residents in Orlando East, Soweto, are searching for Pethe Sara Simiao, who they say raped and killed six-year-old Amantle Semane on Monday.
The residents caught and beat up one of Simiao’s friends in an attempt to make him tell them where the suspect was hiding.
Amantle was playing with friends near her home when Simiao, who is from Mozambique, allegedly called her to his rented shack. Her body was later found with signs showing she had been strangled.
Amantle’s aunt, Mahlogonolo Semane, said a neighbour saw Simiao walking with the little girl.
“The burglar bars of his shack were locked, but we managed to break in and found Amantle lying cold on the floor. One side of her leggings was taken off. Her neck was covered with bruises, indicating that she had been strangled to death,” Semane said.
“The homeowner whose shack is next to the suspect’s told us that she didn’t see him coming in with the child or hear her screaming.”
Rose Mahlangu told Scrolla.Africa the community won’t stop looking until Simiao is caught.
“Someone out there knows where he is hiding. His friends and family members know and need to be questioned.
“It has been 24 hours since Amantle was killed; the case is only receiving the SAPS’ attention today and we fear he might have skipped the country and cannot be found,” Mahlangu said.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said they have a warrant for Simiao’s arrest.
“The matter was reported to the police, who responded and started a search for the suspect, who is on the run,” Masondo said.
“We are appealing to the community to assist in locating Simiao. Anyone who might have information about his whereabouts can contact Colonel Lazarus Mahlaela on 079 696 0854 or Captain Chris Moses on 082 822 7070.”
Pictured above: Pethe Sara Simiao is on the run.
Source: Supplied
