State to cross-examine convicted killer Amber Lee Hughes

The State in the murder and rape case of four-year-old Nada Jane Challita is set to cross-examine the woman who killed her. 

Amber Lee Hughes was convicted for the death and sexual assault of her ex-boyfriend's child in 2023. 

The 26-year-old will be taking the stand for the second for the mitigation of sentencing in the Johannesburg High Court. 

Thursday marks the fourth consecutive day of the sentencing procedures at the high court. 

ALSO READ: Amber Lee Hughes says she believed killing Nada Jane Challita was attempt to save her from life of neglect

On Wednesday, the court heard a detailed account of the events that transpired before the murder of the little girl.

Hughes told the court that she was pushed to this extreme point due to Elie Challita’s alleged abuse and infidelity. 

She went on to detail that she believed that if she left the relationship, there would be nothing left for the child.

“At that moment, I thought that the only possible way out of everything was to take Nada’s life and my own. I felt like Nada wouldn’t have a future without me. She would be neglected and she wouldn’t progress without me. I thought the only way to save Nada was by taking her life.”

It is understood that the father of the slain child will take the stand at a later in the proceedings.