The mother of six-year-old Amantle Samane has urged the Johannesburg High Court to hand down three life sentences for the man who kidnapped, raped, and murdered her daughter.
The accused 25-year-old, Phethe Sara Simiao, pleaded guilty to all counts, including contravening the Immigration Act.
Simiao appeared before the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday for pre-sentencing, where the State argued for the harshest punishment against him.
Amantle Samane
On the stand, Samane’s mother, Ntombi, spoke, visibly emotional during her victim impact statement, detailing her family’s anguish and the deep pain caused by the crimes.
The State has requested the maximum penalties: life imprisonment for rape and murder, five years for kidnapping, and five years for the Immigration Act, despite the act prescribing a maximum of three months.
During proceedings, Judge William Karam questioned the State on this, asking why they sought a sentence above the prescribed minimum.
The defence did not oppose the State’s submissions, maintaining that Simiao showed remorse by pleading guilty and cooperating with the court.
Judge Karam also addressed Ntombi directly, encouraging her to seek support for herself and her children.
“The court recommends that you continue to take your children to Sunday school because we all know that with God, all things are possible.”
Sentencing has been postponed to 1 September.
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