In a dramatic turn of events, Amber Lee Hughes on Thursday admitted to killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita – more than a year after pleading not guilty to the crime.
Hughes told the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg that her actions followed an argument with Nada-Jane’s father over his alleged infidelity. She admitted she was fully aware of what she was doing on the day of the child’s death, News24 reports.
“I admit that I drowned the deceased, Nada Jane Therese Challita, on 23 January 2023 by sitting on her, which had the result that she was submerged in the water,” her admission read.
“I admit that after the deceased did not respond, I left her in the bathtub while the cold water tap was left running.”
Hughes also revealed that she attempted to take her own life three times after the incident.
Judgment in the high-profile trial had been expected last week, but following a sudden change in her legal representation, Hughes returned to court on Thursday and confessed to drowning the child at her Glenvista home.
While she has now admitted to the murder, Hughes maintains that she did not rape Nada-Jane.
The case has been postponed to 7 August, when arguments on the rape charges will be heard.
Hughes met Nada-Jane’s father when she was working as an assistant teacher at her school. On the day of the murder he took a work trip and left his daughter in her care. Their relationship was described as volatile.
Challita told TimesLive at Hughes’ previous court appearance that “it’s horrible” going to court, reliving his emotions.
“My life has been on hold. Everything is on hold until this thing finishes. Only then can I look forward, only then can I look after myself, only then can I look at anything else.”
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