Trial date set for the alleged rapist and murderer of a 6-year-old Soweto girl
JOHANNESBURG - A trial date has been set for Pethe Sara Simiao, the man accused of raping and murdering a six-year-old girl in Soweto.
The 24-year-old Mozambican national was arrested in October last year, after the body of six-year-old Amantle Samane was found inside his shack in Orlando, Soweto.
READ: Amantle Samane murder-accused due back in court
After several appearances at the Protea Magistrates Court, his matter was transferred to the Johannesburg High Court where he now faces four charges, including kidnapping, murder, rape, and contravening the Immigration Act.
During the early stages of the case, Simiao abandoned his bid for bail after the State indicated it would strongly oppose his release due to his undocumented status in South Africa.
He appeared in court on Tuesday to wrap up his pre-trial hearing, looking dishevelled and keeping his head hung low.
Usually, this stage allows accused persons to plead guilty or not guilty. But Simiao has only indicated an intention to plead guilty to one count, relating to immigration violations.
The court heard that formal pleas would be entered at the start of the trial.
"Now this matter has been postponed for plea and trial to the 31st of July 2025. The estimated duration for this trial is to the 8th of August 2025."
Simiao will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
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