JOHANNESBURG – A disturbing courtroom confession has gripped South Africa following the emotional and shocking admission by a 25-year-old preschool teacher who confessed to the murder of her four-year-old stepdaughter, sending ripples of disbelief and sorrow across the nation.
Amber Lee Hughes stood before the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, where she submitted supplementary admissions in an ongoing case that has already seen the State and defence present full arguments. The harrowing case, which involves the death of young Nada-Jane Challita, has captivated public attention due to its disturbing details and the familial connection between the victim and the accused.
In her confession, preschool teacher admitted to drowning Nada-Jane, who was not only her preschool learner but also her stepdaughter. The tragic incident reportedly occurred after what Hughes described as an “emotionally charged dispute” with the child’s father, her partner, stemming from allegations of infidelity. Hughes admitted that in the heat of overwhelming emotional turmoil, she killed the child in a moment she now describes as irreversible and deeply regrettable.
The court heard that preschool teacher had been formally diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), a mental health condition often associated with emotional instability, impulsive behaviour, and challenges in maintaining relationships. However, she was quick to clarify that despite her diagnosis, she was fully aware of her actions at the time of the incident.
In a dramatic portion of her statement, preschool teacher told the court that she had attempted to take her own life multiple times following the child’s death, suggesting profound remorse and emotional collapse. She was hospitalised on at least two occasions for psychiatric evaluation and suicide attempts, her legal team confirmed.
Preschool Teacher Admits to Killing Stepdaughter in Chilling South Africa Courtroom Confession
Despite her full confession to the murder charge, preschool teacher firmly denied additional allegations of rape, stating unequivocally that she had “no knowledge of such allegations.” Her defence team did not expand on the nature of the sexual assault accusations, which reportedly emerged during the course of the investigation, but emphasized that Hughes maintains her innocence on that front.
The courtroom was tense as the admissions were read into the record. Members of the public, child rights activists, and journalists filled the gallery, many visibly shaken by the details of the case. The victim’s family, seated quietly in the front row, listened as the woman they had once welcomed into their lives admitted to the unthinkable.
Nada-Jane’s death sent shockwaves through her community, where she was described as a vibrant, kind-hearted child who brought joy to those around her. Teachers, neighbours, and parents from the preschool she attended have all expressed horror and grief in the wake of her death.
“This case has broken so many hearts,” said one parent, whose child was in the same preschool. “We trusted this woman with our children. We never imagined something so dark could happen so close to home.”
The prosecution has indicated that it will push for the maximum sentence allowed under South African law. State advocate Lwazi Ndlovu said that while the confession may demonstrate remorse, it cannot undo the suffering inflicted on the child or her family. “A child’s life was taken in a cruel and deliberate act,” Ndlovu said. “Justice must not only be done but seen to be done.”
Preschool teacher remains in custody at a correctional facility in Gauteng, where she is undergoing continued psychological evaluation. Her legal team has not indicated whether they will pursue a diminished responsibility argument or request psychiatric leniency, but all eyes are now on the next hearing.
The case has been postponed to 7 August 2025 for closing arguments on the submitted admissions. Legal experts anticipate a complex sentencing process, given Hughes’ mental health status and the brutal nature of the crime.
Meanwhile, the broader public continues to grapple with the implications of the case—particularly the issue of mental health in caregiving professions. Advocacy groups have renewed calls for mandatory psychological screening for individuals working with children, especially in early education.
As the nation awaits the court’s final ruling, one thing is certain: the tragic death of Nada-Jane Challita will leave a lasting scar and serve as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance, mental health support, and child protection in every corner of society.
