Overview
- In Gauteng High Court, Amber Lee Hughes admitted she drowned four-year-old Nada-Jane Chalita by sitting on her in a bathtub and leaving the tap running.
- Trial evidence included a message to the child's father—"You broke my heart; I'm going to burn yours"—which Judge Richard Mkabela said demonstrated intent.
- A post-mortem found the child had been sexually assaulted twice before her death.
- Hughes was convicted in August of premeditated murder and vaginal rape, offenses that carry minimum life sentences under South African law.
- Sentencing was postponed to February 16, 2026, following an October hearing, prompting frustration from the victim's family.