Update
NATIONAL NEWS - The rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court today.
Southern Courier reports that, according to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler’s death on 23 January 2023.
In her testimony, Hughes denied the charges of murder and rape.
She described the child’s death as an accidental tragedy, claiming that she had momentarily left Nada-Jane alone in the bath while she argued with her partner (the child’s father), Elie, over WhatsApp.
Hughes stated that she was living with Elie and his daughter at the time and had developed a close bond with the child.
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She alleged that on the day of the incident, Chalita was away in Limpopo and that the child had been playing in the bath, a routine activity, when the tragedy occurred.
“I tripped over the dog and cut my hand on a glass jar,” Hughes said. “I ran around trying to stop the bleeding and didn’t check on her immediately because I didn’t want to scare her.”
She claimed that when she finally returned to the bathroom, she found the toddler face down and unresponsive in the water.
Emergency services were called, and friends of Elie, who had access to the home, attempted CPR before rushing the child to Mulbarton Hospital, where she was later declared dead.
Hughes said she went into psychiatric care after the incident and was arrested later that night. She denied harming the child, stating there was no forensic evidence linking her to any sexual abuse.
READ MORE: Preschool teacher pleads not guilty to Mulbarton child's (4) rape and murder
She also questioned the quality of the police investigation, alleging that key evidence, like her phone, a knife, and the jar, was never properly analysed.
“There was no effort to hear my side of the story,” Hughes told the court.
Outside the courtroom, Elie, expressed frustration and anger.
“Everyone saw the lies. She keeps changing her story. First, she said she made Lloyd a coffee, but Lloyd wasn’t even there that day. How can Lloyd have access to my house if she doesn’t have a key herself?” he said.
The trial is expected to continue next Thursday and Friday, with cross-examination of the accused.
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