By 
In a tense and silent courtroom, all eyes turned to Sylvia Mutaba—the woman accused of living alongside her husband’s decomposing body for nearly two years—as she entered Courtroom Three, flanked by her three daughters and a close family friend.
Escorted by female correctional officers, the five women walked in single file, their slow procession drawing murmurs from onlookers.
At the centre of the spectacle was Mutaba, 52, who faces a charge of manslaughter in connection with the death of her husband, George Kalaba.
Her three daughters, along with family friend Preteria Mbadama, are jointly charged with failing to give notice of death or concealing a death.
The group appeared before High Court Judge Anna Malata-Ononuju, but the matter could not proceed to plea-taking due to legal uncertainty surrounding one of the accused—a 15-year-old daughter of the deceased.
It remained unclear whether the juvenile should be tried in the adult court or handled separately under the juvenile justice system.
During proceedings, the defence informed the court that a nolle prosequi (formal withdrawal of charges) had been entered for the juvenile. However, State prosecutors said there was no official record of such a decision.
“The fourth accused is a juvenile,” the defence argued. “We believe a nolle was entered. We need to clarify which court she is to appear before and reconcile the record accordingly.”
After hearing submissions from both sides, Judge Malata-Ononuju adjourned the matter to allow for the reconstitution of the case file and verification of the juvenile’s legal status.
“We cannot proceed until it is clear whether the juvenile is still an accused before this court or belongs under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court,” the judge said.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments