Preschool Teacher Amber Lee Hughes Charged with Rape and Drowning of Her 4-Year-Old Stepdaughter

Johannesburg – Amber Lee Hughes, a 25-year-old preschool teacher, has been convicted of premeditated murder and the rape of her 4-year-old learner and stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita.

The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg issued the judgment on Thursday, 28 August 2025.

Initially, Hughes pleaded not guilty, which prompted the state to present evidence to substantiate its claims beyond a reasonable doubt.

After considering both sides and their closing arguments, Hughes provided supplementary admissions, confessing to drowning the child following an emotional altercation with the child’s father regarding his infidelity.

She mentioned her Borderline Personality Disorder but recognized full awareness of her actions, citing multiple attempted suicides afterward.

However, she refuted the rape charges, claiming ignorance about how the child acquired vaginal injuries.

While the court found that the state could not demonstrate anal penetration, it determined there was adequate evidence to support the charge of vaginal rape.

The pathologist’s testimony revealed a recent wound in the child’s private area, suggesting penetration by a small object shortly before death.

The court deemed the expert witness credible, and given Hughes’ admission of being alone with the child at the time of death, concluded she was accountable for the injuries, leading to her conviction for rape.

Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng, announced that the case has been rescheduled for pre-sentencing proceedings on 27 October 2025, which will include arguments for mitigation and aggravation.