By Palesa Matlala
- Amber-Lee Hughes, 24, charged with murder and rape, had her sentencing case postponed to April at the Gauteng Magistrate Court.
- Baby Nikita’s parents made their first court appearance at Gauteng High Court, with the matter moved from Protea Magistrate Court.
Self-confessed child killer Amber-Lee Hughes appeared briefly at the Gauteng Magistrate Court on 12 March 2026, as two separate child cases were before Gauteng courts.
Hughes, 24, is a former pre-school teacher charged with murder and rape. She is accused of intentionally drowning four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita at their Glenvista home on 23 January 2023, while Nada-Jane’s father, Elie Challita, was out of the province for business.
The state cross-examined Hughes at the previous sitting. She has since submitted her evidence to the High Court as part of her sentencing proceedings.
Elie was expected to take the stand on 12 March, but the matter was postponed to April due to logistical issues.
In a separate courtroom at the Gauteng High Court, the parents of Baby Nikita, 4, made their first court appearance. Their matter was transferred from the Protea Magistrate Court due to the seriousness of their charges.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were called to the family’s Eldorado home in August 2025 after neighbours heard child screams. Baby Nikita was found with severe head injuries, bruises and a swollen eye. She was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Baby Nikita later died. Her father was arrested and charged with assault, then faced charges of murder, rape and compelled rape after her death. Her mother was arrested and charged with murder and child abuse under the doctrine of common purpose.
The matter will return to court on 19 March 2026.
Pictured above: Amber-Lee Hughes
Image source: File
