In a shocking development, police have arrested a 23-year-old Mozambican national in connection with the brutal rape and murder of six-year-old Amantle Semane, a young girl from Orlando East, Soweto.
Story Summary:
- A Mozambican man has been arrested for the assault and murder of six-year-old Amantle Semane in Orlando East.
- The young girl’s body was found in the suspect’s shack, showing signs of strangulation and other trauma.
- Police had launched a nationwide manhunt, which led to the suspect’s capture, with more details to be revealed during a media briefing.
Amantle Semane murder suspect arrested: Here’s what we know
The arrest comes after authorities launched a nationwide manhunt for the suspect earlier this week.
The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday, with police expected to provide more details during a scheduled media briefing.
Amantle’s body was discovered on Monday, 21 October 2024, in the suspect’s shack, just two streets away from her home.
She had been reported missing that afternoon after being seen playing with other children.
According to initial reports, the suspect allegedly lured her into his shack before raping and killing her.
What happened to Amantle?
According to her family, Amantle was taken from the street near her home, and her body was found later that evening.
Her aunt, Mahlogonolo, shared the harrowing experience of discovering Amantle’s body.
“Imagine finding the body of your child lying on the floor. I don’t wish this to happen to anyone,” she told Daily Sun.
The young girl’s body bore visible signs of strangulation, and her leggings were partially removed, adding to the trauma of the discovery.
Amantle’s mother, overcome with grief, held her daughter in her arms, screaming in anguish, while family members desperately checked for any signs of life.
“I held her, called her, hoping she’d respond. I checked her pulse, but it was not there. That’s when I knew she was gone,” her aunt recounted.
The suspect, who was well-known in the community for his work making burglar bars, had been on the run until his recent arrest.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the suspect allegedly called Amantle into his shack, where the tragic incident occurred.
The police are now expected to release further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest, as well as any potential motives behind the heinous crime.
Authorities have also urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist the ongoing investigation.