Johannesburg High Court postponed the Amber Lee Hughes rape and premeditated murder case to February 16, 2026.

In August, the case was postponed and set for October 27 and 28, when evidence and arguments for mitigation and aggravation were to be tabled.

This follows Judge Richard Mkhabela previously finding Hughes guilty of the rape and premeditated murder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Chalita.

On both days, Carina Wolmarans, a social worker in private practice who specialises in compiling pre-sentence reports, took the stand.

In her report, Wolmarans detailed her findings from interactions with Hughes. Among other things, she said Hughes suffered an emotional setback at a young age and struggled with low self-esteem because of being overweight.

During puberty, she attempted suicide. Although she complained about being bullied at school, Hughes tended to lie, be manipulative, and was prone to self-harm and attempted suicide.

The court heard that her life was devastated in 2005 when her mother was involved in a car accident that caused spinal injuries. Her mother became dependent on medication, drugs, and alcohol and later committed suicide in July 2022. This was six months before the murder of Nada-Jane.

According to Wolmarans, Hughes was exposed to her mother’s naked body, which she discovered in a hospital bed.

Hughes was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder at a very young age. Up to the age of 14, she had been treated by several psychiatrists and psychologists, with borderline personality disorder being one of the diagnoses.

At one point during Wolmarans’s testimony, State Advocate Rolene Barnard and Judge Mkhabela advised her not to trespass into the domains of other professions, such as psychiatrists and psychologists.

This came after Wolmarans discussed Hughes’s mental health. She was reminded that only psychiatrists and psychologists can make such assessments and that she should testify strictly as a social worker.

It was also heard that Hughes is deeply sorry and regrets drowning the deceased.

Wolmarans mentioned that Hughes once said during their interactions that losing her mother was one of the worst things that had happened in her life. This was a concern for both Barnard and Mkhabela. They asked her, “What about killing Nada-Jane? Was killing Nada-Jane not the worst thing in her life?”

On the day of the murder, the court established that Hughes’ actions were emotionless. She wanted to direct her anger at Elie Chalita, but she directed it to Nada-Jane, although she said she did not want to hurt her. She had suppressed aggression and was frustrated by Chalita and experienced resentment. Wolmarans also said Hughes showed no remorse for her actions before she confessed to the crime. It was only after the confession that she showed remorse.

When Wolmarans concluded her testimony, the defence requested that Acting Judge President Ledwaba grant additional time to present further evidence before sentencing could continue.

Outside the courtroom

Mother: ‘You entrust teachers with your children’

Speaking outside the court after the postponement, Nada-Jane’s mother, Amy Johnson, expressed her pain and disbelief, saying the tragedy had destroyed their trust in those meant to care for children.

“She was a teacher, and you would entrust her, only to find out she didn’t even have a tertiary degree,” Amy said.

“The schools also had fault, but she was apparently an assistant. You trust a teacher at the end of the day. You entrust your children to them to look after them when you can’t. You never think that person will destroy your child.”

@southern.courier Mother: ‘You entrust teachers with your children’ Speaking outside the court after the postponement, Nada-Jane’s mother, Amy, expressed her pain and disbelief, saying the tragedy had destroyed their trust in those meant to care for children. “She was a teacher, and you would entrust her, only to find out she didn’t even have a tertiary degree,” Amy said. Full story on southerncourier.co.za #AmberLeeHughes #NadaJaneChalita ♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Amy added that Hughes had once appeared to be soft and caring.

“She would cry when dogs were running over the street. She appeared kind. He was deceived,” she said, referring to Nada-Jane’s father.

When asked what she would say to Hughes if given the chance, Amy responded:

“That child had a mother who truly tried her best to heal mentally so she could take care of her little one. And her making that sacrifice of leaving her child to heal, only for that child to be taken away for selfish reasons, is absolutely heartbreaking. I will never forgive her.”

Father: ‘We are not surprised by the delays’

Nada-Jane’s father, Elie Chalita, said the family was not shocked by the defence’s request for more time.

“When you asked me before what my opinion was about delays, I said that if there are more tricks in the book to be used, be prepared to see them. We’re not surprised anymore,” he said.

“Yesterday and today were examples of that, but progress is still being made.”

He also addressed Hughes’s claims in court that she had been afraid of him.

@southern.courier Father: ‘We are not surprised by the delays’ Nada-Jane’s father, Elie Chalita, said the family was not shocked by the defence’s request for more time. “When you asked me before what my opinion was about delays, I said if there are more tricks in the book to be used, be prepared to see them. We’re not surprised anymore,” he said. “Yesterday and today were examples of that, but progress is still being made.” Full story on southerncourier.co.sa #AmberLeeHughes #NadaJaneChalita ♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“She can say whatever she wants now after the rape and the murder. Before that, she was relocating with me, moving provinces with me, and we went on holidays together. Her entire family blessed our relationship,” he said.

Elie described his past relationship with Amy as cooperative and respectful, particularly regarding custody arrangements.

@southern.courier Father: ‘We are not surprised by the delays’ Elie described his past relationship with Amy as cooperative and respectful, particularly regarding custody arrangements. “We never fought about custody. We agreed legally because Amy had health challenges that led to mental health struggles. We sat together with a judge, and he was impressed with how peaceful and united we were,” he added. Full story on southerncourier.co.za #AmberLeeHughes #NadaJaneChalita ♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“We never fought about custody. We agreed legally because Amy had health challenges that led to mental health struggles. We sat together with a judge, and he was impressed with how peaceful and united we were,” he added.

Proceedings to continue next year

The court will reconvene for the continuation of Hughes’s pre-sentencing hearing.

VIDEO: Court hears self-confessed murderer Amber Lee Hughes had tumultuous upbringing

@southern.courier The court is expected to hand down sentencing soon after Amber Lee Hughes was found guilty of the r*pe and premeditated m*rder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita. Full story to follow on southerncourier.co.za #AmberLeeHughes #NadaJaneChalita ♬ original sound – Southern Courier