A 25-year-old preschool teacher has confessed to murdering her four-year-old stepdaughter in a case that has shocked Joburg.
Amber Lee Hughes, who faces charges of rape and murder, made the shocking admission at the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Joburg, on Thursday.
The admission came after both prosecution and defence had already presented their arguments and following a change in Hughes’ legal team.
In her statement to court, Hughes admitted to drowning Nada-Jane Challita, who was both her stepdaughter and a pupil at the preschool where she taught.
Hughes said the act happened after an emotional fight with the child’s father about his alleged cheating.
While acknowledging her diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder, Hughes maintained that she was fully aware of her actions at the time.
Her admission also detailed multiple failed suicide attempts following the murder.
However, Hughes has denied the rape charges against her, claiming she has no knowledge of those allegations.
The judge has postponed the case until August 7, 2025, for closing arguments about the new admissions. Hughes will remain in custody until her next court appearance.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokeswoman for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng, said the admissions strengthen the State’s case.
“The admission made by the accused confirms the State’s version of events. It will now be up to the court to assess the weight of these admissions and their impact on the final outcome,” said Mjonondwane.
