By Palesa Matlala
- Pethe Simiao, accused of kidnapping, raping and killing Amantle, made a short court appearance as the case was postponed for further investigation.
- Activists in Soweto say they’re heartbroken by the slow justice system and are demanding no bail for the alleged killer.
A group of angry gender-based violence activists in Soweto have slammed the justice system after the case of a man accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering a six-year-old girl was postponed.
Pethe Simiao, 24, is accused of killing little Amantle Samene in Orlando East on 21 October 2024. He made his first appearance at the Gauteng High Court after the case was moved from the Protea Magistrate’s Court.
But the hearing was postponed again.
According to Amantle’s aunt, Mahlogonolo Semane, the girl’s body was found on the floor of Simiao’s rented shack. One side of her leggings had been pulled down, and her neck was bruised, showing she had been strangled.
Amantle would have been in Grade One this year.
Fikile Mdagane from the Orlando East Gender-Based Violence Brigade said the community is heartbroken by what happened to the little girl.
“This six-year-old was innocent and had never harmed anyone,” she told Scrolla.Africa.
Mdagane said they do not want Simiao to be granted bail.
“We want him to die in prison,” she said.
She said the group has stood by Amantle’s family since the day she went missing.
“Our hearts are shattered, and the family also feels that justice is being delayed. But we are hopeful that one day it will be served,” she said.
She added: “How long does it take to gather evidence and prepare for trial? All the evidence was found at the crime scene — even the body — and the suspect was caught that same week.”
Simiao has been remanded in custody. He is expected back in court on 27 May.
Pictured above: Amantle Samene.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
