A confessed child killer described chilling details in the Johannesburg High Court today about how she drowned the daughter of her ex-boyfriend in 2023.

The sentencing of Amber Lee Hughes took a shocking turn today after being postponed for two consecutive days, as she gave a detailed account of how she killed four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita. 

The Southern Courier wrote a series of articles today, detailing what was unfolding in court. In its latest article, it reported that Hughes apologised to the court and to four-year-old Nada-Jane’s family as sentencing proceedings continued. 

@southern.courier

Self-confessed murderer Amber Lee Hughes apologised to the court and to four-year-old Nada-Jane’s family as sentencing proceedings continued. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“I am sorry to Nada,” Hughes said. “I would like to apologise to the court as well as the family of Nada. This trial has taken a lot longer than it should have.” 

Hughes claimed delays in the matter were due to being ill-advised by her previous legal representative. 

Southern Courier reported earlier this afternoon that Hughes described her actions in her own words, citing heartbreak and betrayal over her relationship with Nada-Jane’s father, Elie Challita, as a factor in the tragedy. 

During the court proceedings, she spoke about her upbringing, mental health struggles and previous legal advice she received before trial.

@southern.courier

The convicted accused speaks in the witness box at the Johannesburg High Court, describing her troubled childhood, mental health challenges, and the legal advice she received as sentencing proceedings continue. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Taking Nada-Jane’s life 

“I thought that the only reason for me to save Nada was by taking her life, so I didn’t think. I ran to the bathroom and got into the bath. Before I got into the bath, I said to her, ‘I’m sorry, I love you so much’, Nada didn’t fight. I sat on top of her and pushed her head under the water.” 

After killing Nada-Jane, she said she went to the garage, where Challita’s work equipment and large water tanks were stored, and tied a noose on a ledge. She recalled bleeding on the garage floor after a fall, sitting for a while as she thought about her relationship and everything that had happened that day. 

@southern.courier

The convicted accused describes in detail how she took the life of Nada-Jane at her Mulbarton home, citing feelings of betrayal and heartbreak, as sentencing proceedings continue at the Johannesburg High Court. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

She then returned to the house, changed into a red and white dress, and cut her right wrist with a small knife she found among the dishes she was washing. Hughes also tried to hang herself from a wooden jungle gym in the garden, but ended up breaking a piece of it. 

@southern.courier

Hughes told the court that her actions were influenced by feelings of betrayal in her relationship with Elie Challita. She said she discovered that he was seeking sexual services from other women in Polokwane, which left her heartbroken and confused. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Feelings of betrayal 

Hughes told the court that her actions were influenced by feelings of betrayal in her relationship with Challita. She said she discovered that he was seeking sexual services from other women in Polokwane, which left her heartbroken and confused. 

“I felt betrayed, and it felt like our whole relationship was a lie. I had sacrificed so much for Elie and for Nada. I emphasised that throughout the day,” she said. 

She explained that throughout her relationship with Challita, the only insecurity she had was regarding Nada-Jane’s biological mother. Challita had continued interactions with the mother due to an ongoing custody battle, which led to frequent arguments. 

@southern.courier

Hughes testified that she obtained images from Elie Challita’s WhatsApp account linked to her laptop a few days before January 23, 2023, showing his attempts to contact at least eight other women for sexual services. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Evidence of Elie Challita’s actions 

Hughes testified that she obtained images from Elie Challita’s WhatsApp account linked to her laptop a few days before January 23, 2023, showing his attempts to contact at least eight other women for sexual services. 

She confronted him with the images, which contributed to her state of mind that day. 

She described the relationship with Challita as ‘up and down’, noting that he had previously been physically abusive toward her, including kicking her out of the house. 

@southern.courier

Hughes told the court she is prepared to be sentenced and understands she must face the consequences of her actions. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Intent to plead guilty 

Hughes told the court that while she was still appearing in the regional court, she had indicated that she wished to plead guilty to murder. 

“One of the most common questions I was asked by several doctors was how I would like to plead. And I stated to them that I would like to plead guilty to murder,” she said. 

She said she communicated her intention to her previous legal representative before the matter proceeded in the high court. 

According to Hughes, she was informed that she would have to plead to all three charges – rape, sexual assault and murder and could not plead guilty to murder alone.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on August 27, she was found guilty of premeditated murder and rape. 

When asked whether she knew she had killed the child at the time she testified in her defence, Hughes responded: “I did, yes.” 

Breakdown while in detention 

Hughes also spoke about incidents that occurred while she was detained in 2024 after being charged with two counts of rape. 

She said she suffered a breakdown and used a blade to cut her arms and wrists.

She was subsequently placed in the hospital unit at the correctional facility. 

Troubled childhood described 

Hughes described her childhood as unstable. She said she was close to her mother until about the age of nine. 

When she was around six or seven years old, her mother was involved in a severe car accident and later became addicted to pain medication due to a spinal injury. 

Hughes said her mother’s addiction progressed to cocaine, alcohol and other substances.

Struggles with mental health

She testified about harming herself as a teenager, saying there were approximately 10 attempts between the ages of 14 and 16 that involved overdosing and cutting.

She confirmed that she had been receiving medication and treatment since being detained.

At the age of 15, she said she suffered a mental breakdown.

Education and schooling history 

Hughes told the court she obtained a qualification through Boston City Campus in 2017. 

She previously attended Edenvale High School up to Grade 9 before being removed due to bullying. She was later enrolled at Jeppe High School for Girls. 

Objection sustained in court 

During proceedings, defence attorney Marius Bouwer addressed the court on aspects relating to the relationship between Hughes and the child.

However, an objection was raised and sustained by Judge Richard Mkhabela, who ruled that the specific line of questioning was irrelevant and requested that it be rephrased.  

Relationship described as horrific 

Hughes described her relationship with Challita as horrific, saying she stayed because of her love for the child. 

“Her father put me through hell for a long time and I stayed because I loved that child more than anything,” she said. “I did love Elie, but I was concerned more about Nada.” 

While giving evidence in mitigation of sentence, she also stated that she never touched Nada inappropriately at any point during her relationship with Challita or while being around the child.

@southern.courier

Self-confessed murderer Amber Lee Hughes apologised to the court and to four-year-old Nada-Jane’s family as sentencing proceedings continued. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Hughes says she thought about Nada daily 

Reflecting on the period after her arrest, Hughes said that during the first year of her detention, there was not a day that went by that she did not think about Nada and what had happened. 

“Nada and I were inseparable and I loved her more than words can explain,” she said. 

“I’m not blaming Elie for what happened that day. I’m sorry to Nada about what happened. But deep down I know that Elie drove me to do what I did that day,” she said. 

Hughes’ testimony forms part of ongoing sentencing proceedings at the Johannesburg High Court. Bouwer has been addressing aspects of the case, while Judge Richard Mkhabela continues to oversee the proceedings. 

The proceedings continue tomorrow. 

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.