The father of murdered four-year-old Nada Jane Challita told the Johannesburg High Court that serious problems had developed between him and his former partner, Amber Lee Hughes, on the day his daughter drowned.

Hughes’ sentencing hearing continued yesterday (September 16) with her defence attorney, Marius Bouwer, cross-examining Challita about his relationship with Hughes and their interactions before Nada Jane’s death.

According to Southern Courier Challita told the court that communication between him and Hughes on the day of the drowning took place mainly over the telephone, including several calls, and that Hughes was emotional.

Bouwer also questioned Challita about how Hughes treated Nada Jane.

Challita said Hughes treated the child well at the beginning of their relationship, but that he began noticing what he described as increasing jealousy from Hughes around December 2022 and January 2023.

Watch video here:

@southern.courier

Amber Lee Hughes’ father asked to leave courtroom during sentencing proceedings The interruption followed a complaint from Elie Challita about alleged facial gestures while he was giving evidence at the Johannesburg High Court. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Ice cream dispute read in court

The defence returned to an earlier dispute between Challita and Hughes involving an ice cream, with messages between the couple read into evidence.

In one message, Hughes complained that she felt she did not matter in Challita’s life.

She referred to Challita spending time away from her, not saying goodnight or kissing her, telling Nada Jane that he loved her and not taking photographs with her.

She also complained about his interactions with Amy and said she remained upset about what she had found on his phone.

Challita explained that not all of their discussions took place over WhatsApp, with some conversations happening face to face.

A subsequent message from Challita to Hughes was read to the court.

“Morning love. You got upset and went to bed without saying good night, not me.”

He also asked Hughes to take things less seriously, saying the disagreement had been about an ice cream.

Challita said the dispute was an indication of what he had previously described as Hughes’ growing jealousy.

Court briefly interrupted

Proceedings were briefly interrupted when Challita raised concerns about the conduct of Howard Hughes, who was seated in the courtroom.

Challita told the court that Howard was making facial gestures while he was giving evidence and described the conduct as unprofessional in the High Court.

Judge Richard Mkhabela asked the defence team to approach Howard and address the issue before proceedings continued.

Howard later returned to the courtroom as Challita’s evidence continued.

Challita to continue evidence

The court also discussed Challita’s availability to continue giving evidence.

The State indicated that Challita regularly attends court and would remain available following the evidence of an expert witness.

The court was told that Challita would continue his evidence after the next witness had testified.

The matter continues today (September 17).

Bouwer had not completed his cross-examination of Challita.

The State is expected to call a new witness on Thursday, after which Challita’s evidence will continue. His cross-examination is expected to run until tomorrow (September 18).

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.