The court is expected to start handing down a sentence in the Amber Lee Hughes murder and rape case.

Southern Courier reports that proceedings are set to continue at the Johannesburg High Court, where Hughes was previously found guilty of rape and premeditated murder.

Her father, Howard Hughes, was seen arriving at the Johannesburg High Court ahead of sentencing proceedings.

@southern.courier

Johannesburg High Court expected to conclude proceedings today following conviction for the grape and premeditated m*rder of a four-year-old Mulbarton child. Her father, Howard Hughes, is seen arriving at the Johannesburg High Court ahead of sentencing proceedings. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ Shadows of Suspense – Adauto Assis

The case relates to the death of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita in January 2023 at her Mulbarton home. The child had been left in Hughes’ care at the time of the incident.

Hughes, a former preschool assistant teacher, was arrested shortly after the child’s death and later charged with rape and premeditated murder.

@southern.courier

Johannesburg High Court is expected to conclude proceedings today following conviction for the rape and premeditated murder of a four-year-old Mulbarton child. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

In August, the Johannesburg High Court convicted Hughes on both counts. The court heard evidence from medical experts and witnesses during the trial. The State argued that the murder was planned, while the defence presented mitigating factors during the sentencing phase.

Previous court appearances were marked by delays as the defence sought time to present additional reports relating to Hughes’ background and personal circumstances.

The sentencing has drawn significant public interest, with members of the community and the child’s family following proceedings closely.

The court is expected to conclude sentencing proceedings today.

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