Mchunu fumes in court

Simao appears in in Protea court on murder charge.

- Molefe Seeletsa

When he faced the Mozambican man who allegedly killed six-year-old Amantle Samane in court yesterday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was "overwhelmed with anger".

The accused, Pethe Sara Simiao, made his initial appearance in the Protea Glen Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Simiao was arrested in Soweto on Wednesday in connection with the girl's death.

The 24-year-old man faces four charges - rape, murder, kidnapping and contravention of the Immigration Act.

Yesterday, the court granted the media permission to broadcast proceedings in the case.

The defence had wanted to prevent media coverage, arguing that the accused's identity, face and potential case outcomes should remain confidential.

However, Magistrate Tshepiso Maepa, dismissed the request.

The prosecution later informed the court of its intent to oppose bail for the accused, citing his status as an illegal immigrant and the severity of the charges.

Maepa postponed the case to 1 November for a formal bail hearing.