Cross-examination continued in the Johannesburg High Court as State advocate Rolene Barnard put several contradictions to Amber Lee Hughes during sentencing proceedings.

Hughes is before court after being convicted of premeditated murder and rape.

Bail applications and legal advice

Barnard questioned Hughes about two bail applications she brought in the Johannesburg Regional Court.

@southern.courierBarnard questioned Hughes about two bail applications she brought in the Johannesburg Regional Court. Hughes said the first application was made before she had consulted legal representatives and that she was advised to remain silent. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Hughes said the first application was made before she had consulted legal representatives and that she was advised to remain silent.

She told the court the second application was drafted by her former attorney, Michelle Ives, and claimed she was ill-advised and led to believe she had a strong case and could receive a suspended sentence.

Jewellery and theft allegations

Barnard put it to Hughes that she had initially denied stealing items but later admitted taking belongings from Elie Challita’s home.

@southern.courierBarnard put it to Hughes that she had initially denied stealing items but later admitted taking belongings from Elie Challita’s home. Hughes denied stealing. She said they were living together and shared everything. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Hughes denied stealing. She said they were living together and shared everything.

“There were times when I would take things from the house, but I would see it as our things,” she testified.

She admitted to taking jewellery but said it had been gifted to her and later taken back during arguments. She denied taking any money.

Facebook post and child safety

Barnard referred Hughes to messages in which Challita accused her of posting his full name and address online, allegedly putting him and his daughter at risk.

The messages warned that criminals could use the information to target the home.

Hughes said she remembered the exchange and apologised for the post.

“It was the worst possible thing I could do,” she told the court.

She said only 53 people saw the post, that she disabled her Instagram account and apologised publicly. She added that she reassured people who contacted her that there was no danger.

When Barnard questioned why she would send such messages despite claiming abuse, Hughes said she felt she had no one else.

“At that time of my life, Elie was my everything,” she said, adding that they repeatedly reconciled after arguments.

‘I wasn’t in my right mind’

Barnard challenged Hughes on her evidence that she believed there was a threat to her life.

Hughes claimed Challita had threatened her on multiple occasions, was physically and verbally abusive, and had been violent towards her and others.

@southern.courierBarnard challenged Hughes on her evidence that she believed there was a threat to her life. Hughes claimed Challita had threatened her on multiple occasions, was physically and verbally abusive, and had been violent towards her and others. Full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound – Southern Courier

She said he threatened her life during arguments, including on August 6.

Barnard also questioned Hughes about her earlier statement that she felt she was “saving” the child.

“That’s how I felt at the time,” Hughes replied but denied believing she was playing God. She said she was not in her right mind on the day of the incident and that her mental health had been deteriorating.

She told the court she has been incarcerated for three years and suffered severe depression and mental breakdowns during her first year in prison.

Hughes said she has grown emotionally while in a female correctional centre and has realised her self-worth. She added that she is not receiving the therapy she needs but believes it would help her.

Abortion messages questioned

Barnard referred Hughes to a message in which she wrote that she could not bring a child into the world at that time.

@southern.courierBarnard referred Hughes to a message in which she wrote that she could not bring a child into the world at that time. It was put to her that this did not support her claim that she had been forced to have an ab*rti*n. full story on southerncourier.co.za♬ original sound Southern Courier

It was put to her that this did not support her claim that she had been forced to have an abortion.

Hughes said she had an abortion, and a message followed another breakup. She admitted making a booking at Marie Stopes before confirming she was pregnant and said she only learned she was not pregnant at the appointment.

Defence seeks consultation

After cross-examination, Hughes’ defence attorney, Marius Bouwer, asked for time to consult with her regarding selected messages.

@southern.courierAfter cross-examination, Hughes’ defence attorney, Marius Bouwer, asked for time to consult with her regarding selected messages. After cross-examination, Hughes’ defence attorney, Marius Bouwer, asked for time to consult with her regarding selected messages. He argued that only parts of conversations were placed on record and that the court needed to understand the full context. Barnard objected to consultation at that stage, stating that cross-examination had concluded and that any issues could be addressed in re-examination. Judge Richard Mkhabela indicated that re-examination proceeds without further consultation, in line with court procedure. Proceedings are set to continue on Friday. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

He argued that only parts of conversations were placed on record and that the court needed to understand the full context.

Barnard objected to consultation at that stage, stating that cross-examination had concluded and that any issues could be addressed in re-examination.

Judge Richard Mkhabela indicated that re-examination proceeds without further consultation, in line with court procedure.

Proceedings are set to continue on Friday.