Man Sentenced to 2 Life for Kidnapping, Rape, and Murder of Six-Year-Old in Johannesburg

Johannesburg High Court Sentences Man to Life for Kidnapping, Rape, and Murder of Six-Year-Old

A 25-year-old man, Phethe Simiao, has been sentenced to 2 life imprisonment by the Johannesburg High Court for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane. Simiao also received concurrent sentences for contravening the Immigration Act, with the court noting that he was unlawfully in South Africa at the time of the crimes.

Simiao pleaded guilty to all charges on 15 August 2025, acknowledging the nature of the offenses and the minimum sentence legislation. The court reviewed extensive exhibits, including post-mortem reports, affidavits from the Department of Home Affairs, and photographs of the crime scene where the child was found.

During sentencing, the mother of the deceased provided a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, describing the devastating effect of Amantle’s death on herself and her three younger children. She expressed her desire for multiple life sentences for Simiao and detailed the profound emotional toll, including withdrawal from counseling, church, and normal family routines.

The court considered the personal circumstances of the accused, noting that he was 24 at the time of the offenses, married, and had a young child. While his counsel argued that he showed remorse, the court found no evidence of genuine remorse, noting that he did not testify or provide insight into his actions.

Aggravating factors included the extreme vulnerability of the victim, the premeditated nature of the crimes, and the calculated steps taken by the accused to satisfy his perverse intent. The court emphasized the societal need for justice and deterrence, particularly given South Africa’s ongoing struggle with violence against women and children.

Simiao was sentenced as follows:

• Kidnapping (count 1): 2 years imprisonment
• Murder (count 2): Life imprisonment
• Rape (count 3): Life imprisonment
• Contravention of the Immigration Act (count 4): 2 years imprisonment

All sentences were ordered to run concurrently, effectively resulting in a life sentence for Simiao. The court underscored that this decision reflects both the severity of the crimes and the need to uphold public confidence in the judicial system.

The court concluded by reminding society that while the accused’s unlawful presence in the country contributed to the mother’s anger toward foreigners, the actions of one individual should not reflect on others lawfully or unlawfully residing in South Africa.