Amantle Samane’s alleged killer ‘assaulted in prison’
The man accused of killing Amantle Samane alleges he was assaulted by wardens at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
The 24-year-old Mozambican national, who was arrested last Wednesday, appeared briefly in the Protea Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping, rape, murder and the contravention of the Immigration Act.
Wearing a worn-out grey sweater, the accused limped into a courtroom filled with community members, and heavily armed police officers.
The man was expected to bring his formal bail application following last week’s postponement.
However, his lawyer Nemagavhini Mudzunga told the court that he was unwell and needed medical attention.
“It is my instructions that the accused is not well, he is injured. He is saying that he has been assaulted.”
The lawyer said she had also noticed some injuries on her client’s body.
“Before he could put on the jacket, as I went for a consultation, I realised injuries on his hand and his body,” she added. “The paramedics were here this morning to attend to him.”
Speaking through the Portuguese court interpreter, the accused told the court that his chest, arm, and leg hurt.
The defense requested for the accused to be accommodated in the hospital wing of the Johannesburg Correctional Centre. They also wanted him to be kept in isolation.
Following a brief adjournment, the accused’s lawyer said they had spoken to senior officials at the centre who had assured them he would be safe.
“We agreed on the 3rd of December to allow the accused person to receive medical attention. In the meantime, he will be kept in prison, and we are satisfied that the prison personnel will keep him safe,” Mudzunga said.
The accused was expected to continue his bid for freedom by bringing his formal bail application during his next court appearance.
Amantle Samane’s lifeless body was found in the suspect's rented room in Orlando, a few hundred meters from her home, nearly two weeks ago.
Police and community members launched a manhunt following the grim discovery.
He was arrested three days later in neighbouring Zola, in Soweto, where he had been hiding.
Major General Fred Kekana said police have DNA evidence that tied the accused to the crime.
Meanwhile, Samane was laid to rest following an emotional funeral service that was held at the Orlando Community Hall on Thursday.
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