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FILE | Six-year-old Amantle Samane.
The mother of Amantle Samane says that while she is satisfied with the judgment and sentence handed down to her daughter’s murderer and killer, this will not bring her back.
Amantle, a young Soweto girl, was raped and killed by Mozambican national, Phethe Simiao.
Judge William Karam at the High Court in Johannesburg handed Simiao two life sentences for her rape and murder.
Community members who had filled the court gallery to capacity clapped when judgment was handed down.
Amantle’s mother says she hopes the sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who commit such crimes.
“I don’t even know what to say. But as for this sentence, I am happy. I’m very happy. Even though it is not going to bring my child back, I am very happy. He has been served. I do not want to lie; my daughter will now rest in peace. And I think it’s a good example to men who do these evil deeds.”
The young girl’s death caused a huge public outcry in Orlando, and Sowetans came together in solidarity, where Simiao was arrested two days later.
At first, he pleaded not guilty, but later confessed.
Phindi Mjonondwane from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentence.
“The accused did not plead guilty voluntarily. There’s a difference between remorse and regret. The accused was feeling sorry for himself rather than feeling guilty for the crimes that he had committed and how he had affected the family of the little girl. We are happy with the sentence as the NPA. We continue with our resilience in the fight against violent crimes, especially those committed among vulnerable groups.”
