WATCH: Defence questions Challita over drowning-day events in Hughes sentencing
Bouwer challenges Challita's account of the day of Nada-Jane's drowning, alleged abuse and WhatsApp conversations during Friday's proceedings.
The sentencing proceedings against convicted child murderer and rapist Amber Lee Hughes continue in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday, September 18, with defence attorney Marius Bouwer resuming his cross-examination of Hughes’ former partner, Elie Challita.
Following Thursday’s expert witness testimony, Friday’s proceedings shift the focus back to Challita as the defence revisits the day of Nada-Jane’s drowning, the couple’s relationship, and WhatsApp conversations exchanged during their relationship.
Defence revisits day of drowning
Bouwer questions Challita about his work trip to Polokwane on the day of Nada-Jane’s drowning and Hughes’ version that she felt betrayed by his actions.
Challita tells the court he left for Polokwane for work, describing it as another trip to look for a house and attend to company business.
He says he was emotionally unhappy with Hughes at the time but rejects suggestions that he could speak to how she felt that day.
“I know how I felt, but I don’t know how she felt,” he tells the court.
Abuse allegations disputed
Bouwer puts it to Challita that there was evidence Hughes had suffered emotional and physical abuse during their relationship.
Challita strongly disagrees, telling the court he wants to see any evidence supporting those claims.
He acknowledges that both of them disrespected each other during arguments but denies physically abusing Hughes.
The defence also suggests Challita isolated Hughes from her family and friends, a claim he rejects.
Instead, Challita says he encouraged Hughes to visit her family, adding that she often chose to stay at his home.
WhatsApp messages come under scrutiny
The defence turns to a bundle of WhatsApp conversations spanning from November 2021 to March 2023, arguing the messages show Hughes repeatedly expressed affection for Nada-Jane.
Bouwer also refers to numerous conversations about the child during the relationship.
Challita responds that it would have been natural for Nada-Jane to feature regularly in conversations over an 18-month relationship.
When questioned about specific exchanges previously presented in court, he repeatedly tells the court he cannot recall the exact conversations without reading them.
State intervenes on court record
During questioning about earlier WhatsApp evidence, State advocate Rolene Barnard intervenes to clarify how the exhibits were presented during Hughes’ testimony.
Challita tells the court he cannot accurately remember the specific timeframe or conversation being referred to without reviewing the documents.
Gift, finances and relationship questioned
Bouwer also questions Challita about gifts exchanged during the relationship, whether Hughes was financially dependent on him, and claims that items were taken back after break-ups.
Challita says he cannot fully remember some incidents but maintains Hughes had spoken about accessing money from a trust fund while he had financially assisted her during periods of unemployment.
Proceedings continue
Cross-examination continues in the Johannesburg High Court as the sentencing proceedings against Hughes enter another day of testimony.
WATCH: Defence challenges child protection expert during Amber sentencing proceedings
