Mutaba and co-accused plead not guilty in alleged case of murdering husband

Sylvia Mutaba, the woman accused of living with her husband’s corpse for nearly two years, has denied a charge of manslaughter.

Trial is scheduled to begin on June 17.

Mutaba appeared before the Lusaka High Court where she pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawfully causing the death of her husband, George Kalaba.

Her three daughters—Wendy Kalaba, 27, Sandra Kalaba, 22, and Natasha Kalaba, 19—alongside a 44-year-old family friend, Preteria Mbadama, also pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges.

Kalaba’s decomposed body was discovered in the couple’s matrimonial bedroom nearly two years after his death.

During the proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the case against the fourth accused—a 15-year-old girl who is the youngest daughter—had been discontinued following the entry of a nolle prosequi in the subordinate court.

“We made inquiries and confirmed that a nolle prosequi was indeed entered in respect of the fourth accused,” the State told the court.

The State indicated that: “In light of this, we apply under Section 273 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 88 of the Laws of Zambia, to amend the charge sheet by removing the name of the juvenile.”

Judge Anna Malata-Ononuji granted the State’s application to amend the indictment.

Trial has been set for June 17.

The State indicated it would file an application for bail for the accused persons pending trial.

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