Watch: Amber Lee Hughes sentencing postponed

Sentencing in the case of Amber Lee Hughes, convicted of rape and premeditated murder, has been postponed to tomorrow, reports theAlberton Record. The case relates to the death of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita in January 2023 at her Mulbarton home. The child had been left in Hughes’ care at the time of the incident.

The matter was heard in the Johannesburg High Court today. Sentencing in the case of Amber Lee Hughes, convicted of rape and premeditated murder, has been postponed to tomorrow. The defence requested the delay, saying the accused could not be properly consulted regarding electronic evidence.

Full story on southerncourier.co.za The defence requested the delay, saying the accused could not be properly consulted regarding electronic evidence. Marius Bouwer, Hughes’ defence attorney, told the court he intended to call the accused but requested the case be postponed to allow proper consultation. He said he wanted to pursue electronic evidence with Hughes before proceedings continue.

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During proceedings under Act 186 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, the court called on Daphne Khensani Makhubele, head of the Johannesburg Prison’s female section, to address prison conditions. Khensani Makhubele said the facility, built for 711 inmates, currently holds 1 423, including 24 babies, reflecting an overcrowding rate of 200 %. Full story on southerncourier.co.za Khensani Makhubele said the facility, built for 711 inmates, currently holds 1 423, including 24 babies, reflecting an overcrowding rate of 200 %.

She confirmed the prison has had only one permanent psychologist since 2001, with occasional additional support through community service. Despite overcrowding, the centre strives to meet basic needs such as healthcare, accommodation, and education while treating inmates humanely. Outside court, Elie Challita, father of the deceased, Nada-Jane, spoke openly about the long wait for justice.

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