SIX-YEAR-OLD’S KILLER SENTENCED TO DOUBLE LIFE IMPRISONMENT
01 SEPTEMBER 2025
SIX-YEAR-OLD’S KILLER SENTENCED TO DOUBLE LIFE IMPRISONMENT
Johannesburg – The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Local Division, has sentenced 25-year-old Sara Phethe Simiao to two life imprisonment terms for the rape and murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane in Orlando East in October 2024. He was further sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for kidnapping and two years for contravening the Immigration Act.
The conviction followed the disappearance of Amantle, whose mother, supported by the Orlando East community launched a search for her. A witness, who had seen the child walking with Simiao and knew they were not related, alerted community members. This led them to a shack where the child’s lifeless, half-naked body was discovered. Following the search and investigation led by Captain Moses of the South African Police Service, the suspect was located and arrested at Zola in Soweto on 23 October 2024.
During sentencing proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty in an attempt to secure leniency. However, State Advocates Zamikhaya Staffa and Matshediso Phatlanyane argued that the gravity of the crimes, together with a Victim Impact Statement and the emotional testimony of the child’s mother, warranted the harshest penalty.
The victim’s mother testified about her ongoing trauma, sleepless nights, and mental distress particularly when hearing children cry. The defence argued that the guilty plea demonstrated remorse, but the State countered that it was motivated by self-interest rather than genuine contrition.
The court agreed with the State, noting that Simiao’s late plea was not voluntary but an attempt to escape the inevitable outcome. His actions were deemed cruel, calculated, and deserving of the maximum sentence.
The NPA welcomes the sentence, which sends a strong message that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and violent crimes against children will be held fully accountable. We remain steadfast in ensuring justice for victims and their families.
Issued by:
Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson
Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
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