Phethe Simiao Pleads Guilty to Murder, Rape of 6-Year-Old Soweto Girl, SA Demands Harsh Sentence

• Phethe Simiao appeared in court, charged with the 2024 rape and murder of a six-year-old girl
• Amantle Samane's body was found in Simiao's shack on 22 October 2024, in Orlando, Soweto
• South Africans weighed in on Simiao's appearance and called for a harsh sentence for him

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG - Phethe Simiao has pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of a Soweto girl in the Johannesburg High Court.

The 24-year-old Mozambican national, who was living in the country illegally, went on the run following the death of Amantle Samane. The six-year-old girl was found dead on 22 October in Simiao’s shack in Orlando, Soweto.

Simiao was arrested on 24 October 2025 and charged with kidnapping, rape, murder, and contravening the Immigration Act.

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Simiao pleads guilty to all charges

Appearing in the Johannesburg High Court on 11 August 2025, the Mozambican national originally intended to plead guilty only to the immigration charge.

After reviewing the case docket, his legal team confirmed that he would plead guilty to all the charges to avoid a lengthy trial. Simiao will appear in court again on 15 August for further proceedings.

Samane’s rape sparks outrage in Soweto

The shocking crime sparked outrage in Soweto, as community members demanded justice for the little girl whose body was discovered in Simiao’s shack, which he rented. It was believed that he lured her there while she was playing with friends.

The landlord who rented the shack to Simiao was also charged, with police saying that he was harbouring an illegal immigrant.

The community launched their own manhunt for him and even nabbed one man who they alleged was a friend of his. Police were forced to intervene when angry community members threatened to necklace the man because he would not disclose Simiao’s whereabouts.

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How did South Africans react?

Social media users again voiced disgust at the crime, but also shared their thoughts on what should happen to him.

Bongiwe Ndindi Mtembu said:

“He is going to a five-star hotel.”

Mli Ndo stated:

“There is no better punishment for this animal than the death penalty.”

Thembi Makwe recalled:

“I cried when I heard this story. It's so heartbreaking to hear about such stories. When will the killing of people stop? Ngenelela Nkosi.”

Phara Lasegoli speculated:

“Do you know that he might get a light sentence because of an admission of guilt. Mzansi courts love criminals.”

Koketso Boit Modupe suggested:

“They should consider bringing back the death penalty for sexual related offences that have been proven. Because this is enough now.”

Tumelo Mogonediwa asked:

“How do you look at a six-year-old that way? What level of psycho is this?

Nkosi Dlamini appealed:

“Bring back the death sentence, bro😭.”

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Mandy Susan Walker agreed:

“Bring back the death penalty. There are way too many women and children being murdered in South Africa.”

SAPS charge landlord for renting out a shack

Briefly News reported that police opened a case against the landlord who rented a shack to Simiao.

Simiao, a Mozambican national, was living illegally in the country and working as a welder.

South Africans didn't understand why the landlord was in trouble for renting out property to Simiao.

Source: Briefly News