Preschool teacher admits to killing ex-lover's daughter
Former pre-school teacher, Amber Lee Hughes, has admitted to killing her ex-lover's four-year-old daughter after initially pleading not guilty to the crime.
Hughes appeared before the High Court in Johannesburg on Thursday, after the delivery of the verdict was postponed last week when she changed legal representatives at the eleventh hour.
The admissions were made after the merits of the case had already been fully argued by both the State and the defence.
Nada Jane Challita was found raped and drowned in the bathtub of the couple's Glenvista home more than two years ago.
Twenty-five-year-old Hughes killed the child after an argument with Elie Challita, who was out of town at the time.
"In her admissions, Hughes confessed to drowning the four-year-old after an emotionally charged dispute with the child’s father over his infidelity. She further stated that she was suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder at the time, but maintained she was fully aware of her actions," said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
While she admitted to the murder, Hughes maintains she did not rape the little girl.
"She [Hughes] detailed multiple unsuccessful suicide attempts following the incident. However, the accused denied the rape charges, claiming she did not know about those allegations."
The case has been postponed to 7 August for closing arguments on the admissions.
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