Amantle Samane rape & murder suspect makes first court appearance, State opposes bail

JOHANNESBURG - The court case against a suspect linked to the rape and murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane has been postponed to 1 November.

The accused, who has now been identified as 23-year-old Pethe Sara Simiao, appeared before the Protea Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping, rape, murder and contravention of the Immigration Act.

On Monday, officers launched a manhunt for the alleged attacker, arresting him on Wednesday.

READ: Police Ministry praises Orlando community for role played in catching rape, murder suspect

According to police, the body of Samane was discovered in the suspect’s Orlando home after he allegedly lured the young girl to his residence, where he allegedly committed heinous crime, leaving her body behind as he fled.

A packed courtroom saw the wanted suspect for the very first time since he went on the run after Amantle's gruesome murder.

Friday's proceedings were swift, although marred with complications and challenges, one of which being Simiao’s attempt to bar the media from broadcasting his matter, in which he cited a concern for his safety if he were to be released on bail.

Magistrate Tshepiso Maepa denied this request, postponing the matter to the beginning of November.

"Your matter is adjourned to the first of November, back to court number 10 for your formal bail application. Bail remains opposed by the State. You will be in custody without any bail."

Magistrate Maepa informed Simiao that the likelihood of the court granting him bail was slim given the severity of the charges against him and his illegal status in the country.