Overview

• Amber‑Lee Hughes was found guilty in the Gauteng High Court on August 28 of murdering Nada‑Jane Challita and of one rape count.
• Hughes admitted in court that she drowned the child by sitting on her in the bath, which the judge said satisfied the elements of murder.
• She was charged with two counts of rape but convicted on one, with forensic findings indicating sexual assault, including the use of foreign objects.
• Judge Richard Mkhabela cited prior threats and a message sent during an argument over alleged infidelity as evidence of premeditation.
• The court postponed sentencing to October 27 to allow the defense to prepare, as the child’s father expressed partial relief at the verdict.