Former preschool teacher Amber Lee Hughes has admitted to drowning her ex-boyfriend’s four-year-old daughter, Nada-Jane Chalita, at her home in Johannesburg in January 2023.[1][3] During her recent court appearance, Hughes confessed to intentionally drowning the child following an emotionally charged argument with the child’s father, and stated through her lawyer that she was suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder at the time, but was fully aware of her actions.[1][3]
Hughes’ admission detailed that she submerged the child in the bathtub, left her unresponsive in running cold water, and later attempted to take her own life three times after the crime.[3][7] While Hughes has admitted to the murder, she denies that she raped Nada-Jane.[3][5] The relationship between Hughes and Nada-Jane’s father was described throughout the trial as volatile.
The High Court in Johannesburg heard closing arguments from both sides in late July 2025.[5][7] The trial has been postponed multiple times; most recently, a change in legal representation caused further delay.[3][7] Judgment in the case is expected to be handed down on August 7, 2025.[1][5]