Trial of Preschool Teacher Accused of Raping and Killing Lover's Daughter Begins

The trial of 25-year-old Amber Lee Hughes, a preschool teacher accused of raping and murdering her lover's four-year-old daughter, Nada-Jane Challita, has commenced in the Johannesburg High Court in South Africa.

Hughes pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and murder stemming from events that took place in January 2023. According to the prosecution, Hughes allegedly developed a romantic relationship with Nada-Jane's father, Elie Challita, and moved in with them. Their relationship was reportedly marked by frequent altercations, during which Hughes threatened to harm the child.

On the day of the alleged murder, Elie Challita had left Nada-Jane in Hughes' care while he attended a job interview. Before leaving, Hughes sent Challita a chilling text message, saying, "You broke my heart; I’m going to burn yours. How could you do that to me?" Challita testified that he felt something was wrong after receiving the message.

Dr. Hestelle van Staden, an expert in forensic pathology, testified that the cause of Nada-Jane's death was asphyxiation and sexual assault. The court heard that Hughes allegedly raped the child by inserting an unknown object into her private parts, drowned her, and cut both her wrists. Nada-Jane's lifeless body was later found floating in the bathtub.

The trial is ongoing, with Hughes maintaining her plea of not guilty. The prosecution continues to present its case, and the court is expected to hear further evidence and testimony.

According to Nada-Jane's father, Hughes had grown jealous of the attention he gave his daughter and suspected him of cheating. This alleged jealousy may have contributed to the tragic events that unfolded.