The case involving the brutal rape and murder of a toddler has been postponed to May 8, following delays caused by the accused’s health issues.
Amber Lee Hughes, accused of rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Mulbarton, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg High Court this morning, April 24.
The matter was postponed yet again, this time due to a severe dental condition that prevented proceedings from continuing last Thursday.
@southern.courier The case involving the brutal rape and murder of a toddler has been postponed to May 8, following delays caused by the accused’s health issues. Amber Lee Hughes, accused of rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Mulbarton, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg High Court this morning, April 24. The matter was postponed yet again, this time due to a severe dental condition that prevented proceedings from continuing last Thursday. Read full story on southerncourier.co.za
According to her legal representative, advocate Michelle Ives, the accused experienced intense dental pain and was taken to Johannesburg General Hospital. However, she did not receive medical attention, as no doctor was available at the time.
Judge Richard Mkhabela, presiding over the matter, expressed concern over the delay: “This is regrettable, in the interest of justice, this matter must proceed without further hindrance,” he said.
The judge then issued an order instructing the head of the prison to ensure the accused is taken to a hospital and receives necessary treatment before April 29. Should the accused not be treated by then, the head of the facility is required to provide valid reasons to the court on May 8, the new date set for proceedings to resume.
Advocate Ives also confirmed her intention to call two witnesses to testify on behalf of the accused.
State advocate Rolene Barnard maintained the prosecution is ready to proceed and said delays have not been caused by the state.
The 25-year-old former preschool teacher has pleaded not guilty to the rape and murder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita, the daughter of her romantic partner.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, Hughes had allegedly developed a romantic relationship with the child’s father and moved into his home. The relationship was reportedly troubled and marked by frequent altercations.
During one such dispute, Hughes allegedly threatened to harm the child. It is claimed that when the father left the child in Hughes’s care, she allegedly raped the little girl by inserting an unknown object into her private parts.
The court also heard that Hughes allegedly drowned the child in a bathtub. The child’s lifeless body was later found floating in the bath.
WATCH: Preschool teacher denies rape and murder of toddler (4) in Mulbarton
