Hughes found guilty of murder and rape

Content Warning: This article contains disturbing details that may be upsetting to some readers. 

The Johannesburg High Court has found self-confessed child killer, Amber Lee Hughes, guilty of premeditated murder and one count of rape for the 2023 drowning of her ex-lover’s daughter, four-year-old Nada Jane Challita.

Although the verdict brought some relief, it left a bitter aftertaste for the victim’s family, who had hoped for convictions on all charges.

Delivering the judgment, Judge Richard Mkhabela, said the evidence showed Hughes had clear intent to harm the child—allegedly as an act of revenge over suspected infidelity by the girl’s father.

In her admission, Hughes gave a harrowing account of her suicide attempt moments after the murder, by first trying to slit her wrist with a piece of glass before attempting to hang herself.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has vowed to pursue the maximum sentence, with spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, noting that premeditated murder carries a mandatory minimum of life imprisonment.

The family of the slain child welcomed the verdict but expressed disappointment that Hughes was acquitted of one count of anal rape.

The child’s father, Elie Challita, appeared visibly emotional as the verdict was read.

Hughes, a former preschool teacher, denied any involvement in the child’s death for nearly two years before finally confessing in July. She attributed her actions to a diagnosed borderline personality disorder.

She is scheduled to return to court on October 27 and 28 for sentencing.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe