Preschool teacher Amber Lee Hughes found guilty of murdering four-year-old stepdaughter
A 25-year-old preschool teacher has been convicted of the premeditated murder and rape of her four-year-old learner and stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita.
The verdict against Amber Lee Hughes was delivered on Thursday in the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
Hughes was arrested after Nada-Jane Challita’s body was found floating in a tub of water in her Glenvista home in January 2023.
She began a romantic relationship with the girl’s father in 2021 and moved in with them. During her stay, their relationship was reportedly marked by frequent altercations.
The accused allegedly threatened to harm the child during their disputes, said the regional National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.
The NPA said on the day of the incident, the father left his daughter with Hughes, and she raped the child by inserting an unknown object in her private parts.
“It is also said that she drowned her and cut both her wrists. The deceased’s lifeless body was later found floating in the bathtub,” said Mjonondwane.
She added that Hughes initially pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to present evidence to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“After hearing both sides and the closing arguments, Hughes submitted supplementary admissions, admitting to drowning the child following an emotional dispute with the child’s father over his infidelity.
“She cited her borderline personality disorder but acknowledged full awareness of her actions, detailing multiple failed suicide attempts afterwards. However, she denied the rape charges, claiming ignorance of how the child sustained vaginal injuries,” added Mjonondwane.
On the rape charges, the court ruled that the state failed to prove anal penetration but found sufficient evidence for vaginal rape.
“The pathologist’s testimony confirmed a fresh wound on the child’s private area, indicating penetration by a small object, minutes to hours before death. The court deemed the expert witness credible and, given Hughes’ admission of being alone with the child at the time of death, concluded she was responsible for the injuries, convicting her of rape,” said Mjonondwane.
The case has been postponed to October 27, 2025, for pre-sentencing proceedings, including arguments in mitigation and aggravation.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.