…Says she wanted her husband “to suffer” over his infidelity
South Africa has been gripped by shock and outrage after a 25‑year‑old preschool teacher, Amber Lee Hughes, calmly admitted in court that she drowned her four‑year‑old stepdaughter, Nada‑Jane Challita, to punish her husband for cheating on her.
The chilling confession was made before the Johannesburg High Court, where Hughes recounted how her actions were driven by what she described as “raw pain and rage” after a heated confrontation over her husband’s affair.
Confession in Court
Hughes, who also taught the child at school, stunned the court as she admitted:
“I drowned her. I knew it would destroy him. That’s what I wanted.”Despite being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Hughes stated she was fully aware of what she was doing at the time of the crime.
“I wanted him to suffer,” she added, explaining her motive.Background of the Case
Hughes was arrested in 2023 after Nada‑Jane was found dead in a bathtub at the apartment Hughes shared with the girl’s father—her then‑boyfriend.
The court heard that Hughes had multiple suicide attempts following the killing:
“I didn’t want to live after that. I tried… I really tried,” she told the court.Her admissions came after she changed legal teams and submitted supplementary statements, formally accepting responsibility for the murder but rejecting other allegations.
Denial of Rape Allegations
While Hughes confessed to the murder, she denied two separate counts of rape also filed against her.
“I have no idea where those rape charges are coming from. I never did that,” she told the court firmly.Prosecution’s Stance and Next Steps
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) remains confident in its case. NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane addressed the media after court proceedings, saying:
“We prayed to the court to reject Hughes’ version, citing that she was the only person with and around the child at the time of her death, that she has shown no remorse and failed to take responsibility for her actions. We are convinced that we have proven our case beyond any reasonable doubt, like placing evidence that in our view has passed the judicial master.”The case has been postponed to August 7 for closing arguments on the admissions. Hughes remains in custody while the court process continues.
Public Reaction and Wider Implications
The confession has horrified many South Africans, with citizens expressing disbelief that someone entrusted with a child’s care could commit such an act. Many have described the crime as “unthinkable.”
Child protection advocates have also raised concerns about mental health support for caregivers and the need for early intervention in domestic conflicts before they escalate into tragedies.
This cases has highlighted the intersection of domestic violence, mental health struggles, and child safety. Experts have warned that children are often the silent victims in volatile relationships, and urge communities to stay alert to warning signs in households where there are repeated conflicts or untreated mental health conditions.