Zimbabwe News Update

🇿🇼 Published: 17 February 2026
📘 Source: The Witness

Delays are caused by the defence struggling to secure consultations with the accused and access electronic material needed for mitigation, while the state confirms all its expert reports have been submitted. Sentencing proceedings in the Amber Lee Hughes case have been postponed for a second consecutive day after the defence requested more time to consult with the accused and review electronic evidence. The Johannesburg High Court granted the postponement, with proceedings now set to continue tomorrowreportsSouthern Courier.

Full story on albertonrecord.co.za Southern Courierreportedthat Huges was in August 2025 convicted of the rape and premeditated murder of her ex-boyfriend’s daughter, Nadia-Jane Challita (4). Defence cites consultation and electronic access issues Marius Bouwer, Hughes’ defence attorney, told the court that delays were due to significant challenges in securing consultations with the accused and obtaining access to electronic material required for mitigation. Marius Bouwer, Hughes’ defence attorney, told the court that delays were due to significant challenges in securing consultations with the accused and obtaining access to electronic material required for mitigation.

Full story on southerncourier.co.za He said the defence still needed information from iCloud, which could take up to four hours to incorporate into the material to present mitigation factors for sentencing. Bouwer explained that the case was initially set down in October for two days, during which the defence called Carina Wolmarans, a social worker, as a witness and submitted her report. However, the defence was not ready to proceed with the accused’s evidence at that stage due to repeated difficulties arranging consultations with Correctional Services.

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Bouwer explained that the case was initially set down in October for two days, during which the defence called Mrs Hormans as a witness and submitted her report. Full story on southerncoureir.co.za He said five consultation trips between October and January were cancelled or blocked because prison authorities did not confirm appointments. After sending a formal letter to correctional services, consultation was finally secured on January 14. Since then, he has met with the accused several times.

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Originally published by The Witness • February 17, 2026

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