Soweto residents demand justice for little Amantle Samane who was raped and killed later last year.
Pethe Simao (24), a Mozambican national, appeared in the Protea Magistrates Court in Soweto on Monday, 7 April.
He faces four serious charges: kidnapping, rape, murder and Contravention of the Immigration Act.
His case was transferred to the Joburg High Court with a pre-trial hearing set for 9 May.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed the state’s readiness to proceed with the case.
“We have concluded the consultation process and have lined up our witnesses. The commitment we can give is that justice will be served,” she said.
Amantle was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered on 21 October 2024 in a shack located just two streets from her home.
She was reportedly taken from the street in the afternoon. Her body was later found in the suspect’s shack. She was wearing a T-shirt, with her leggings partially removed from one leg.
At her memorial service on 29 October 2024, heartbroken Soweto residents vowed to seek justice and expressed outrage over her tragic death.
After a swift police investigation, the suspect was tracked down and arrested in Zola, where he was reportedly hiding.