Nada-Jane Challita's father says he's relieved after court finds Amber Lee Hughes guilty of daughter's murder, rape

JOHANNESBURG - The father of murdered four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita said he could finally rebuild his life after the Johannesburg High Court found his ex-girlfriend guilty of the child’s premeditated murder and rape.

On Thursday, the court found former preschool teacher, Amber Lee Hughes, raped and drowned the child in a bathtub full of cold water in 2023.

As the child’s secondary caregiver, Hughes was left to look after the child by her father, who was her partner at the time.

Elie Challita said the guilty verdict had brought much-needed relief.

"One step on a stepladder after I fell from the top of it. I was on the top of the stepladder. I fell all the way from top to the down on my head. I lost my child. I lost my entire life. And today I'm taking the first step on that same stepladder again, just looking forward. From today, I can say I can think of looking forward."

The case is expected back in court for sentencing in October.

READ MORE:

• Key events in the Amber Lee Hughes case – From arrest to guilty verdict in murder of Nada-Jane
• NPA wants maximum sentence for self-confessed killer Amber Lee Hughes
• Nada-Jane Challita (4) murder: Father says sentence will never bring her back