Sentencing of 25-year-old man who pleaded guilty to killing minor (6) due in Sep
On Tuesday, the Johannesburg High Court heard final arguments, with the defence insisting he is remorseful, and the State calling for a tough sentence.
Pethe Sara Simiao (25), who is accused of raping and killing six-year-old Amantle Samane, appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on 19 August 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Sentencing in the case of 25-year-old Phethe Sara Simiao, who pleaded guilty to killing six-year-old Amantle Samane, has been postponed to 1 September 2025.
On Tuesday, the Johannesburg High Court heard final arguments, with the defence insisting he is remorseful, and the State calling for a tough sentence.
The defence told the court that Simiao’s guilty plea and cooperation showed remorse and did not oppose the State’s submissions.
Prosecutors, however, argued the crime was cruel, deliberate and had devastating consequences for the family.
Amantle’s mother, Ntombi Samane, was visibly emotional as she took the stand to give a victim impact statement to detail the family’s anguish and loss.
The judge said the court would weigh the mitigating and aggravating factors before sentencing.
“Accordingly, the matter is postponed for the imposition of sentence; he is to remain in custody.”