Convicted child killer claims fear, denies romance as State exposes contradictions

Convicted child killer, Amber Lee Hughes, has told the Johannesburg High Court that she feared for her life and believed her ex-boyfriend, Elie Challita, could pay someone to have her killed, as the State intensified cross-examination during her sentencing proceedings.

Hughes, who turned 27 on Thursday, returned to the witness stand where prosecutors challenged her claims of abuse and neglect and confronted her with WhatsApp messages, and highlighted contradictions in her version of events following her conviction for the premeditated murder and rape of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita.

She previously confessed to killing the child by sitting on her in a bathtub until she was fully submerged.

During cross-examination led by State prosecutor Rolene Barnard, Hughes was confronted with WhatsApp messages exchanged between herself and Challita.

The State questioned affectionate language contained in the messages, including references to notes and chocolates, which Hughes denied were romantic.

Despite messages suggesting notes were “collected” and gifts exchanged, Hughes conceded that she never corrected messages implying affection or gift-giving.

Barnard also challenged Hughes’ claims that the child had been neglected, presenting messages in which Hughes praised Challita as a good father and expressed hope that social workers would see “how amazing” he was.

Hughes admitted she never contacted social workers during that period, despite her alleged concerns about the child’s wellbeing. She told the court she was emotionally vulnerable and isolated, claiming her mental health deteriorated significantly.

The former pre-school teacher testified that she felt abandoned by her support system and remained in what she described as an abusive relationship while in a fragile emotional state.

The court further heard that Hughes initially wanted to plead guilty but claimed she was misled by previous legal advice into believing she had a strong defence and could receive a suspended sentence.

She also testified that she made significant personal sacrifices during the relationship, including resigning from a job she loved, losing friendships, and terminating a pregnancy, which she alleged was demanded by her ex-boyfriend.

Prosecutors challenged these claims, highlighting inconsistencies between her testimony and evidence presented in court.

The sentencing proceedings were adjourned after Hughes’ defence lawyer, Marius Bower, requested time to review and contextualise the messages presented during cross-examination.

State prosecutor, Rolene Barnard, opposed further consultation, arguing Hughes had already acknowledged the messages and could clarify their meaning during re-examination.

Presiding Judge, Richard Mkhabela, granted the defence time to review the documents but ruled that any consultation with Hughes must take place during re-examination while she remains under oath in open court.

The matter has been postponed to Friday to allow the defence to prepare before proceedings resume.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe