Johannesburg – Twenty-five-year-old preschool teacher Amber Lee Hughes has been found guilty of premeditated murder and rape of her 4-year-old learner and stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita.
The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, handed down the judgment today, Thursday, 28 August 2025.
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.
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.
National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the case has been postponed to 27 October 2025 for pre-sentencing proceedings, including arguments in mitigation and aggravation.
