Pethe Simiao’s rape and murder case postponed to next Friday

The case of the man accused of raping and murdering a six-year-old girl, in Orlando, Soweto, has been postponed to 1 November at the Protea Magistrate’s Court.

Mozambican national Pethe Simiao was arrested on Wednesday night after a warrant of arrest was issued. He is facing charges of kidnapping, rape, murder and the contravention of the Immigration Act. Simiao allegedly lured, raped and then murdered the six-year-old child on Monday in Soweto, leaving the community outraged and demanding justice.

The accused made a brief appearance in the dock before his case was postponed for a formal bail application. He will remain behind bars until his next appearance on Friday next week.

The courtroom was packed to capacity, with the Police Minister, as well as the Provincial Commissioner in attendance. Scores of community members also gathered outside the court, calling for the accused not to be granted bail.

Story credit: SABC News