Carina Wolmarans, a social worker in private practice who specialises in compiling pre-sentence reports, took the stand in the Amber Lee Hughes case at the Johannesburg High Court yesterday.

Alberton Record reports that Judge Richard Mkhabela previously found Hughes guilty of the rape and premeditated murder of four-year-old Nada-Jane Chalita on August 28.

In her report, Wolmarans detailed her findings from interactions with Hughes. Among other things, she said Hughes suffered an emotional setback at a young age and struggled with low self-esteem because of being overweight.

During puberty, she attempted suicide. Although she complained about being bullied, Hughes tended to lie, be manipulative, self-harm and attempt suicide.

The court heard that her life was devastated in 2005 when her mother was involved in a car accident that caused spinal injuries. Her mother became dependent on medication and alcohol and later committed suicide.

According to Wolmarans, Hughes was exposed to her mother’s naked body, which she discovered in a hospital bed.

Hughes was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder at a very young age. Since the age of 14, she has been treated by several psychiatrists and psychologists, with borderline personality disorder being one of the diagnoses.

At one point during Wolmarans’s testimony, State Advocate Rolene Barnard and Judge Mkhabela advised her not to trespass on the domains of other professions, such as psychiatrists and psychologists.

This came after Wolmarans discussed Hughes’s mental health. She was reminded that only psychiatrists and psychologists can make such assessments, and she should testify strictly as a social worker.

It was also heard that Hughes is deeply sorry and regrets drowning the deceased.

The case continues today.

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