Sentencing delayed in Amber Lee Hughes case as prison overcrowding comes under spotlight

The long road to justice in the Amber Lee Hughes case took another turn this week.

Sentencing proceedings for Amber Lee Hughes, convicted of rape and premeditated murder, were postponed to tomorrow after her defence requested additional time to consult with her over electronic evidence.

For the family of the deceased, Nada-Jane, the delay felt painfully familiar.

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Sentencing in the case of Amber Lee Hughes, convicted of rape and premeditated murder, has been postponed to tomorrow. The defence requested the delay, saying the accused could not be properly consulted regarding electronic evidence. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Defence seeks more time

Inside court, Hughes’ attorney, Marius Bouwer, told the judge he intended to call his client to testify but needed more time to properly consult with her regarding electronic material linked to the case.

The application resulted in a postponement of sentencing proceedings.

While postponements are not uncommon in complex criminal matters, particularly when digital evidence is involved each delay carries emotional weight for those waiting on closure.

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During proceedings under Act 186 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the court called on Daphne Khensani Makhubele, head of the Johannesburg Prison’s female section, to address prison conditions. Khensani Makhubele said the facility, built for 711 inmates, currently holds 1 423, including 24 babies, reflecting an overcrowding rate of 200 %. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Prison overcrowding laid bare

The day’s proceedings also cast a harsh light on conditions inside Johannesburg Prison.

Under Section 186 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the court called Daphne Khensani Makhubele, head of the female section at Johannesburg Prison, to testify about conditions at the facility.

Her figures were stark.

The prison, built to house 711 inmates, is currently holding 1 423, effectively operating at 200% capacity. Among those behind bars are 24 babies.

Makhubele told the court the facility has had only one permanent psychologist since 2001, with occasional additional support from community service professionals. Despite the severe overcrowding, she said the centre works to meet basic needs such as healthcare, accommodation and education, while maintaining humane treatment.

The testimony offered a rare window into a correctional system under immense strain, an issue that extends far beyond this single case.

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Outside court, Elie Challita, father of the deceased, Nada-Jane, spoke openly about the long wait for justice. “We are going through progress, slowly but surely, but it is happening,” he said. Full story on southerncouroer.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

A father’s frustration

Outside the courtroom, Elie Challita, father of the late Nada-Jane, spoke candidly about the slow pace of proceedings.

He acknowledged that progress was being made, but warned that further delays may still lie ahead. According to him, the legal process could stretch on for another year or more.

His remarks reflected both determination and exhaustion.

“I’ve been here from the very beginning,” he said, making it clear that he intends to see the matter through to the end.

For families of victims in high-profile cases, the sentencing phase can be as emotionally taxing as the trial itself. It is often the final chapter, the moment when the court determines how society responds to a crime.

“No remorse,” says father

Challita also dismissed any suggestion that an apology from Hughes would bring comfort.

In his view, nothing she could say would change the loss his family has endured. He expressed no faith in her remorse, describing what he believes are two different personas, one presented in court and another shown privately to the family.

His words resonated widely online, where public reaction has been intense. Many social media users voiced frustration over procedural delays, while others emphasised the importance of ensuring the sentencing process is legally sound to avoid future appeals.

A case that won’t fade quietly

The Hughes case has gripped public attention not only because of the seriousness of the convictions, but because it has sparked broader conversations about justice, prison conditions and the emotional cost borne by victims’ families.

As sentencing resumes tomorrow, two realities hang in the air: a correctional system stretched to its limits, and a family still waiting for what they hope will feel like justice.

In South Africa’s crowded courtrooms, the wheels of justice often turn slowly.

For Elie Challita, though, there is no question about staying the course. As he put it, seeing this through is the least he can do for his child.

{Source: The Citizen}

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