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Amber-Lee Hughes in the dock
Sentencing arguments against convicted child rapist and murderer, Amber-Lee Hughes, have been adjourned in the High Court in Johannesburg.
The 26-year-old former pre-school teacher was expected to take the stand but her defence told the court they were unable to consult with her.
Last year, Hughes was convicted of raping and murdering her four-year-old stepdaughter and learner, Nada-Jane Challita.
The little girl was drowned in a bathtub at their home in 2023.
Hughes is expected to mitigate against a prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment on both charges.
Judge Richard Mkhabela agreed that it is in the interest of justice that the matter stand down until Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate that the defence is not ready to proceed with leading evidence in mitigation and the request to stand the matter down. The court is aligned to the fact that the accused must consult with her defence team in order to prepare her mitigation. At the same time, the interests of justice demand that this case should be finalised. Accordingly, with a heavy heart, I agree with the request to stand the matter down to tomorrow morning at 09:00.”
Related Video | Amber Lee Hughes admits to drowning 4-year-old: Siyabulela Jentile reacts:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sudY7hCirK4
