Latest news with #AmberLeeHughes
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Nursery teacher admits to drowning partner's young daughter
Amber Lee Hughes confessed to killing young Nada-Jane Challita after she suspected her partner Elie Challita of cheating. A nursery teacher has admitted to murdering her partner's four-year-old daughter in a brutal act driven by jealousy and rage. Amber Lee Hughes confessed to killing young Nada-Jane Challita while the child was in her care in Johannesburg, South Africa, reports the Mirror. Hughes, who suspected her partner Elie Challita of infidelity, sent him a chilling message just before the incident, vowing to "burn [his] heart." As Mr Challita attended a job interview on January 23, 2023, Hughes filled a bathtub with cold water and drowned Nada-Jane by sitting on her, forcing the child's head underwater as she struggled to escape. The court heard Hughes left the water running even after the child was unresponsive. The court was told that Hughes and Challita had been in a relationship for about two years, during which Hughes had moved into the family home. Their time together was described as tumultuous, marked by frequent arguments and escalating tensions. Prosecutor Phindi Mjonondwane said Hughes' growing jealousy ultimately turned deadly. Though Hughes has now admitted to the murder, she continues to deny a separate charge of raping the child, which prosecutors allege occurred in the days leading up to the killing. "I persist with the denial that I have raped the deceased," she told Johannesburg High Court. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Hughes claimed she suffers from borderline personality disorder but acknowledged she was fully aware of her actions during the killing. "The event was triggered by the argument I had with the deceased's father concerning his infidelity, and the final trigger was when he told me that I should stop bombarding him," she said in court. She also revealed she attempted to take her own life after the incident. Speaking outside court, Nada-Jane's father said he was relieved that Hughes had finally admitted to the murder. "Now I know, legally, she killed my child," he said. "I'm now waiting to find out how long she tortured her before she killed her." The case has been adjourned until Thursday, August 7, when the court will hear arguments relating to the rape charge.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Johannesburg woman admits to killing 4-year-old stepdaughter in court confession
Preschool teacher Amber Lee Hughes (25), charged with two counts of rape and murder of her learner and stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita (four), submitted supplementary admissions at the Johannesburg High Court. According to a media statement from NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the admissions were made after the State and defence had fully argued the case and after she changed legal representation. In her admissions, Hughes confessed to drowning the four-year-old after an emotionally charged dispute with the child's father over his infidelity. ALSO READ: Murder suspect appears in court after boy's death in Fleurhof She further stated that she suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder at the time, but maintained she was fully aware of her actions. She also detailed multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts following the incident. However, the accused denied the rape charges, claiming she had no knowledge of the allegations. ALSO READ: Child murder: When home becomes the most dangerous place The case was postponed to August 7 for closing arguments on the admissions. The accused remains in custody until her next court appearance.
News24
6 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Hawks raid Prasa HQ; US congressman slams anti-SA Bill: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood/News24 News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Hawks raid Prasa HQ, seize executives' laptops, phones in R18bn tender probe - The Hawks seized laptops and mobile phones from Prasa's top executives as part of an ongoing investigation. - The investigation is related to allegations of corruption in connection with two R18 billion train signalling equipment tenders. - The operation follows reports that Prasa awarded contracts to companies that allegedly did not meet mandatory requirements. Shock twist in Nada-Jane murder, accused now admits to crime - Amber Lee Hughes admitted to murdering 4-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, who was found raped and drowned in January 2023. - Hughes initially pleaded not guilty but changed her legal team and made the admission in court on Thursday. - She maintains that she did not rape the child. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Crisis averted: National Assembly passes Appropriation Bill - The National Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill, averting a potential fiscal crisis where government funds would have run out by October 2025. - The DA initially threatened to block the bill but changed course after President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the minister of higher education, securing the bill's passage. - Despite objections from some parties, the bill is expected to be approved by the National Council of Provinces, allowing the government to fund critical priorities. Jacoline Schoonees/DIRCO US lawmaker slams SA sanctions bill as threat to decades of diplomacy - US congressman Jonathan Jackson criticised the "MAGA-driven" US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025, which proposes sanctions on South African government officials and ANC members. - The bill, authored by Ronny Jackson, aims to punish South Africa for its foreign policies, including its stance on Israel and ties with countries like Russia and China. - Tensions between the US and South Africa are high due to tariffs, refugee status granted to Afrikaners and differing views on international conflicts. Phando Jikelo/RSA Parliament Godongwana announces big reforms after budget nightmare - The National Treasury is implementing reforms to the budget process due to fiscal and political challenges, including wider consultation and a focus on spending efficiencies. - A new mechanism called Targeted and Responsible Savings will rank programmes by importance to identify potential savings through spending reviews and phased "de-implementation." - Departments must utilise previous spending reviews to find savings and efficiency gains, with departmental savings being used to reduce debt or fund temporary expenditures. Supplied/MultiChoice DStv shake-up: New MultiChoice CEO promises major changes to win back subscribers - MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis plans to overhaul DStv packages to better meet customer needs and win back subscribers lost to streaming services and piracy. - Key strategies include focusing on local content, sports offerings, making kids' content more accessible and simplifying subscription structures by potentially removing reconnection and access fees. - The company acknowledges past missteps and aims to reinvent itself by addressing the disconnect with younger audiences and combating piracy, while also exploring the possibility of unbundling SuperSport. Lloyd Burnard | First signs of Rassie drawing a line on 'golden' Boks? - This generation of Springboks, considered the greatest in South African rugby history, is aiming for an unprecedented "three-peat" at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. - Despite their dominance, the recent squad selection for the Rugby Championship indicates a shift, with some older stars like Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am facing increased competition and the potential passing of the baton to younger players. - While the transition may be bittersweet, it's a natural part of the sport, creating opportunities for new legends to emerge and continue the Springboks' legacy.
News24
6 days ago
- News24
Shock twist in Nada-Jane murder, accused now admits to crime
In a shock twist, Amber Lee Hughes has now admitted to murdering her ex's four-year-old daughter, Nada-Jane Challita. Little Nada-Jane was found raped and drowned in the bathtub of her Glenvista home in January 2023, following an argument between Hughes and the child's father, Elie Challita. Hughes pleaded not guilty at trial and judgment had been expected last week, but it was delayed after Hughes made an eleventh-hour change to her legal team, prompting a postponement for her to consult with her new lawyers. The case was back in court on Thursday, when Hughes' new counsel, advocate Marius Bouwer, revealed she now wanted to make certain admissions, including that she had indeed killed Nada-Jane. She, however, maintains she did not rape the child. This is a developing story.
The Citizen
25-04-2025
- The Citizen
Mulbarton child's rape, murder case postponed as accused seeks treatment
The case involving the brutal rape and murder of a toddler has been postponed to May 8, following delays caused by the accused's health. Comaro Chronicle reports that Amber Lee Hughes, accused of rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Mulbarton, Gauteng, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg High Court yesterday. The matter was postponed yet again, this time due to a severe dental condition that prevented proceedings from continuing last Thursday. According to her legal representative, advocate Michelle Ives, the accused experienced intense dental pain and was taken to Johannesburg General Hospital. However, she did not receive medical attention, as no doctor was available at the time. Judge Richard Mkhabela, presiding over the matter, expressed concern over the delay: 'This is regrettable, in the interest of justice, this matter must proceed without further hindrance,' he said. The judge then issued an order instructing the head of the prison to ensure the accused is taken to a hospital and receives necessary treatment before April 29. Should the accused not be treated by then, the head of the facility is required to provide valid reasons to the court on May 8, the new date set for proceedings to resume. Advocate Ives also confirmed her intention to call two witnesses to testify on behalf of the accused. State advocate Rolene Barnard maintained the prosecution is ready to proceed and said delays have not been caused by the state. The 25-year-old former preschool teacher has pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, the daughter of her romantic partner. According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Hughes had allegedly developed a romantic relationship with the child's father and moved into his home. The relationship was reportedly troubled and marked by frequent altercations. During one such dispute, Hughes allegedly threatened to harm the child. It is claimed that when the father left the child in Hughes's care, she allegedly raped the little girl by inserting an unknown object into her private parts. The court also heard that Hughes allegedly drowned the child in a bathtub. The child's lifeless body was later found floating in the bath. @ The case involving the brutal rape and murder of a toddler has been postponed to May 8, following delays caused by the accused's health issues. Amber Lee Hughes, accused of rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Mulbarton, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg High Court this morning, April 24. The matter was postponed yet again, this time due to a severe dental condition that prevented proceedings from continuing last Thursday. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
