NPA welcomes life sentences handed to Amantle Samane's killer

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the life sentence handed down to 25-year-old Phethe Simiao for the rape and murder of a 6-year-old Soweto child.

Judge William Karam handed Simiao two life sentences for the rape and murder of Amantle Samane, which will run concurrently.

The child’s lifeless body was found in Simiao’s shack in Orlando East, Soweto.

He later confessed to the crimes, pleading guilty in court.

On Monday, Judge Karam ruled that Simiao failed to demonstrate true and genuine remorse.

NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the court considered all material facts when arriving at an appropriate sentence.

"It is one that has considered the seriousness of the case, as well as how it has affected the family of the deceased. It has considered the seriousness of the crime and the criminal himself. More importantly, the court found that the accused was feeling sorry for himself, rather than a sign of remorse, by pleading guilty."