Amber Lee Hughes’ credibility challenged after admitting to lying during trial

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Presiding Judge, Richard Mkhabela, openly challenged the credibility of convicted child killer Amber Lee Hughes during her sentencing at the Johannesburg High Court on Friday, after the 27-year-old admitted under oath that she had lied during her trial.

Hughes, convicted of premeditated murder and rape for the drowning of 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita in 2023, also confirmed that she instructed her legal team to plead not guilty to all charges, despite previously claiming she wanted to plead guilty to murder.

After three days of cross-examination, Judge Mkhabela pressed Hughes on her earlier claims that her former lawyer had influenced her plea decisions. Hughes admitted she had previously confirmed in court that she participated in drafting a plea explanation – even though she now says that was not true – prompting the judge to question her honesty under oath.

The judge also challenged her attempts to attribute her plea choices to legal advice. Hughes conceded she ultimately took ownership of the decision, though she maintained that advice she received at the time influenced her.

Mkhabela warned that her admission of dishonesty raises serious concerns over whether her current testimony can be relied upon as the court considers an appropriate sentence.

Hughes further told the court that she held Nada-Jane underwater for several minutes until she felt the child’s body jerk, before getting up believing the child was dead. During cross-examination, she admitted there was a struggle, but claimed she was not in her right state of mind at the time.

The sentencing proceedings now move to evidence in aggravation and mitigation, which will determine how long Hughes could spend behind bars.

The father of Nada-Jane Challita, Elie Challita, is expected to testify next month. Having attended the trial from its start, his testimony is anticipated to play a significant role in influencing Hughes’ sentence. Hughes has previously blamed her actions on a turbulent relationship with Challita and alleged abuse, while also making claims about his conduct in Polokwane.

The sentencing proceedings are set to resume on 12 March at the Johannesburg High Court.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe