Soweto mother recalls how she lost her six-year-old daughter
- Grieving Soweto mother seeks justice for murdered daughter as accused faces multiple charges, including murder and rape.
- Amantle’s death sparked protests, with residents and leaders vowing to support the family until justice is served.
As state prosecutors postponed the murder case of her six year old child, a grieving Soweto mother recalls how she lost her daughter, just a day before her pre-school graduation.
The mother, Ntombizodwa Samane, told Scrolla.Africa that she wants justice for her daughter.
A 24-year old Mozambican national appeared before the Protea Magistrate’s Court in Soweto on Monday charged with the murder and rape of six-year-old Amantle Samane.
The accused Petha Simao, 24, was arrested in October 2024, after the little girl’s half-naked body was found on the floor of his rented shack in Orlando East.
The full list of charges include rape, murder, kidnapping and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Amantle would have been among the many South African children who started Grade 1 on 15 January.
“Amantle passed away just days before her graduation. On the day that man took her life, I had just ironed her attire that she was supposed to wear to her school photo shoot and graduation,” said Samane.
“I asked the children who were playing with her where she was but they said they didn’t see her leave. I went looking for her at my neighbour’s house but she wasn’t there.
“After a while, a boy from the neighbourhood came to tell me that he saw her walking with Petha,” she said.
Tragically, the little girl’s dream of becoming a nurse and helping her community was cut short. Her body was found in Simao’s shack, covered with a blanket.
“When I removed the blanket, her shorts were only on one leg. I dressed her up properly and asked for water. I poured the water over her face but she never woke up,” her mother said.
Amantle’s brutal killing triggered protests, with community members demanding justice. The accused then abandoned his bail application.
Orlando East ward councillor Bongani Dlamini said that as a community they will continue to support the Samane family until judgment is passed down to the accused.
“The family of Samane is owed justice and we shall continue to show support today, tomorrow, and forever irrespective of political affiliation,” said Dlamini.
The case was postponed to 24 February.
Pictured above: The courthouse in Soweto where Petha Simao appeared on Monday.
Source: Palesa Matlala