Woman accused of keeping husband’s body for two years set to take plea in manslaughter case

In a case that has shocked the nation, 51-year-old Sylvia Mutaba of Garden Compound in Lusaka is today expected to take plea in the High Court on a charge of manslaughter, following the grisly discovery of her husband’s skeletal remains on their matrimonial bed.

Mutaba stands accused of causing the death of her husband, George Kalaba, whose decomposed body was discovered in January this year—more than two years after his alleged demise.

Read more: Discovery of human skeleton in Lusaka Garden Township prompts govt warning against harmful spiritual practices

She faces one count of manslaughter, while her three adult daughters and a close family friend have been jointly charged with failure to report or concealment of a death, contrary to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act.

Presiding over the matter is High Court Judge Anna Malata-Ononuju, who is set to oversee what is anticipated to be one of the most sensational criminal trials in recent Zambian history.

Also arraigned are family friend Preteria Mbandama Musela, 44, and Mutaba’s daughters: Wendy Kalaba, 27; Sandra Kalaba, 22; and Natasha Kalaba, 19.

A 15-year-old girl initially arrested in the case has since been released after police determined she was not involved.

According to the charge sheet, Mutaba allegedly caused Kalaba’s death between July 1, 2023, and January 14, 2025.

Her co-accused are alleged to have knowingly concealed the death by failing to notify authorities—a serious offence under Zambian law.

The disturbing discovery was made on January 14, 2025, when Emmanuel Kalaba, the deceased’s elder brother, reported to Emmasdale Police that George had not been seen in several months.

Responding officers were horrified to find skeletal remains lying on the couple’s bed in a locked bedroom.

In a chilling twist, reports indicate that the family continued to reside in the same house with the corpse for nearly two years.

They allegedly hosted prayer meetings and even a Christmas celebration, all without alerting neighbours or raising suspicion.

Mutaba reportedly told police that she kept her husband’s body for “spiritual purposes.”

All five suspects are currently unemployed and reside in Garden Compound.

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