An atrocious nursery school teacher who sexually assaulted and killed her boyfriend’s four-year-old daughter committed a horrifying final act by drowning the child in a bathtub.
Amber Lee Hughes, 25, confessed to the murder of little Nada-Jane Chalita, triggered by her unfounded suspicions of her partner’s infidelity.
Nada-Jane’s father, Elie, entrusted Hughes with his daughter while he attended a job interview in Johannesburg on January 23, 2023. Hughes, driven by jealousy when Elie left without kissing her goodbye, forcibly submerged the child in the bathtub until she drowned.
Initially denying the charges of murder, Hughes eventually pleaded guilty, admitting to leaving Nada-Jane’s lifeless body in the bath with the water running after the child fell silent.
In court, Hughes acknowledged her actions, stating, “I acknowledge that I caused the drowning of the deceased, Nada Jane Therese Challita, on January 23, 2023, by sitting on her, resulting in her submersion in the water. I acknowledge that I left her in the bathtub with the cold water tap running after she did not respond.”
During the trial, it was revealed that Hughes had messaged Elie moments before the murder, threatening retribution for his perceived betrayal. Additionally, a post-mortem examination disclosed that Nada-Jane had been sexually assaulted prior to her tragic death.
Hughes attributed her traumatic upbringing and mental health challenges as contributing factors to the crime, citing a history of bullying and suicide attempts.
Despite her remorse, Judge Richard Mkabela deemed Hughes’ actions premeditated, emphasizing her threatening messages before the murder as evidence of intent.
Hughes initiated a relationship with Elie in 2021 and moved in with him and Nada-Jane. Testimony revealed a tumultuous relationship marred by Hughes’ repeated threats against the child.
Convicted of premeditated murder and rape, Hughes faces a life sentence under South African law for her abhorrent acts.
Elie expressed his profound grief over the loss of his daughter, lamenting the lack of justice for her tragic fate.
The victim’s family expressed dismay as sentencing was postponed until February 16, 2026, prolonging their anguish over the delayed legal resolution.