The rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court on May 14.

The case has now been postponed to May 22 and 23 for cross-examination.

According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler’s death on January 23, 2023.

@southern.courierAccording to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler’s death on January 23, 2023. Read full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

In her testimony, Hughes denied the charges of murder and rape. She described the child’s death as an accidental tragedy, claiming that she had momentarily left Nada-Jane alone in the bath while she argued with her partner, Elie Chalita, over WhatsApp.

According to Hughes, she was living with Chalita and his daughter at the time and had developed a close bond with the child. She alleged that on the day of the incident, Chalita was away in Limpopo and that the child had been playing in the bath, a routine activity, when the tragedy occurred.

@southern.courierThe rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court on May 14. The case has now been postponed to May 22 and 23 for cross-examination. According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler’s death on January 23, 2023. Read full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“I tripped over the dog and cut my hand on a glass jar,” Hughes said. “I ran around trying to stop the bleeding and didn’t check on her immediately because I didn’t want to scare her.”

She claimed that when she finally returned to the bathroom, she found the toddler face down and unresponsive in the water. Emergency services were called, and friends of Chalita, who had access to the home, attempted CPR before rushing the child to Mulbarton Hospital, where she was later declared dead.

Hughes said she went into psychiatric care after the incident and was arrested later that night. She denied harming the child, stating there was no forensic evidence linking her to any sexual abuse. She also questioned the quality of the police investigation, alleging that key evidence, like her phone, a knife, and the jar, were never properly analysed.

“There was no effort to hear my side of the story,” Hughes told the court.

Outside the courtroom, Nada-Jane’s father, Elie Chalita, expressed frustration and anger.

@southern.courierOutside the courtroom, Nada-Jane’s father, Elie Chalita, expressed frustration and anger. “Everyone saw the lies. She keeps changing her story. First, she said she made Lloyd a coffee, but Lloyd wasn’t even there that day. How can Lloyd have access to my house if she doesn’t have a key herself?” he said. Read full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

“Everyone heard the lies. She keeps changing her story. First, she said she made Lloyd a coffee, but Lloyd wasn’t even there that day. How can Lloyd have access to my house if he doesn’t have a key himself?” he said.

The trial is expected to continue next week, May 22 and 23, with cross-examination of the accused.

WATCH: Mulbarton toddler’s rape and murder accused unable to speak, trial postponed again