WATCH: Amber case delayed again after judge absence and date miscommunication
Sentencing postponed following a scheduling breakdown between judge and secretary, with new dates set for August and September.
The murder and rape case involving Amber-Lee Hughes was postponed once again at the Johannesburg High Court, adding to a series of delays that continue to stall sentencing proceedings.
Before proceedings began, Hughes was seen in conversation with her father, Howard Hughes, inside court as the matter awaited enrolment.
The latest postponement follows an earlier delay when Judge Richard Mkhabela was occupied with a civil appeal roll in Pretoria. However, the matter was again unable to proceed today due to his absence from the proceedings and a communication breakdown regarding the confirmation of court dates between the judge’s office and court administration, resulting in further delay to the sentencing stage.
Court cites scheduling miscommunication
State advocate Rolene Barnard explained to the court that the sentencing dates had been arranged under instructions from the Office of the Deputy Judge President.
She said there had been a lapse in communication, where the date was not properly confirmed and communicated to Judge Mkhabela through the secretary assisting him at the time.
Following a virtual meeting with Judge Mkhabela and court officials earlier today, new available dates were discussed and agreed upon.
The earliest confirmed date for continuation of proceedings is now August 27, with additional dates on August 28 and September 16, 17 and 18 also placed on record.
Defence confirms no objection
Defence attorney Marius Bouwer confirmed that the defence had no objection to the proposed dates.
He told the court that there had been a communication gap between the judge and both the previous and current secretaries, but confirmed that all parties had now engaged directly with the judge to resolve the scheduling issue.
Emotional toll continues outside court
Outside the courtroom, emotions run high as the family of deceased child Nada-Jane once again attends proceedings that end without progress.
Father Elie Challita speaks emotionally about the repeated delays, saying the continuous postponements take a severe toll on the family.
He describes the frustration of attending court repeatedly since early 2023, often at great personal cost to family members who travel from across the country, including Cape Town.
He adds that Amy Johnston’s mother, Donna Johnston, who travels from Cape Town, is present at today’s court appearance to support the family.
He says the repeated delays leave the family feeling “stuck in time,” with no sense of closure nearly three and a half years after the case began.
Frustration grows as delays continue
Challita further expressed concern over the repeated scheduling issues, saying the uncertainty adds to the emotional strain on families already dealing with loss and trauma.
While acknowledging support from friends and the wider public, he said the constant postponements make it difficult to move forward, both emotionally and practically.
What happens next
The matter is now expected to resume on August 27 at the Johannesburg High Court, when sentencing proceedings are set to continue.
Additional court dates have also been provisionally scheduled for August 28 and September 16, 17 and 18 as the case moves into its next phase.
WATCH: Judge’s unavailability brings Amber-Lee Hughes trial to another delay
