The pre-sentencing proceedings of confessed murderer Amber Lee Hughes continued at the Johannesburg High Court on October 28, where the matter was postponed to February 16, 2026.

The proceedings are expected to run until February 27.

This comes after social worker Carina Wolmarans concluded her testimony. Following her evidence, the defence requested that Acting Judge President Ledwaba grant additional time to present further evidence before sentencing could continue.

Background to the case

The pre-sentencing hearing began on October 27 after a social worker’s report was submitted to the court.

@southern.courier Carina Wolmarans, a social worker in private practice, will provide a pre-sentence report to assist the court with mitigation considerations. Amber Lee Hughes, found guilty on August 28, 2025, of the r*pe and premeditated m*rder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Chalita, is set to appear in court for sentencing on October 27 and 28. Full story to follow on southerncourier.co.za #AmberLeeHughes #NadaJaneChalita #Murder ♬ The Court – Adrián Berenguer

Hughes was found guilty of rape and premeditated murder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Chalita, whose death shocked the Mulbarton community in 2021.

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.

@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

“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 with them to look after them when you can’t. You never think that person will destroy your child.”

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. 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.

@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

“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.”

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

“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 in February 2026 for the continuation of Hughes’s pre-sentencing hearing.

@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