Mozambican National Convicted for Kidnapping, Rape, and Murder of Six-Year-Old Soweto Girl

A 25-year-old Mozambican national, Sara Pete Simiao, has pleaded guilty for charges of kidnapping, rape, murder, and contravening the Immigration Act, following the killing of six-year-old Amantle Samane in Orlando East, Soweto, in October 2024.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed in a statement on Friday, 15 August 2025, that the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Local Division in Johannesburg, convicted Simiao on all counts.

State advocates Zamikhaya Staffa and Matshediso Phatlanyane led the prosecution. Simiao, through his legal counsel, admitted to the crimes, telling the court that he committed the offences while intoxicated and strangled the child to conceal the rape.

On the day of the crime, the victim’s mother and community members frantically searched for the missing child. A witness who had earlier seen Simiao walking with Amantle, despite not being related to her, alerted the community. Their search led to a shack where the girl’s half-naked body was discovered.

Following an intensive manhunt, police arrested Simiao in Zola, Soweto, on 23 October 2024.

The court reviewed his plea and found him guilty. Sentencing has been scheduled for 19 August 2025.

The NPA noted that the case reflects the results of extensive investigative and prosecutorial work, echoing the many similar convictions secured across the country.