Trial of pre-school teacher accused of rape, murder continues – SABC News
The trial of a pre-school teacher charged with the rape and murder of a six-year-old child continues in the High Court in Johannesburg.
25-year-old Amber Lee Hughes is charged with two counts of rape and murder of the child who was also her stepdaughter.
The accused has pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from the alleged incident that took place on January 23, 2023.
The court heard that the pre-school teacher allegedly developed a romantic relationship with the deceased learner’s father.
She moved in with them and during one of their altercations, the accused allegedly threatened to harm the child.
In one incident while the father was away, the accused allegedly sexually assaulted the child.
It is also alleged that she drowned her in a bathtub.
The case continues.
Rape suspects slammed
Meanwhile, African National Congress Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says if a person is accused of rape, they must not be entitled to bail.
His comments come after a seven-year-old child from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape was sexually assaulted on school premises last October while waiting for her transport.
He says children are no longer safe, so the law must be harsh on perpetrators.