By Best Jere
The Lusaka Woman of Garden compound, who was found in possession of her deceased husband’s skeleton, Sylvia Mutuba has appeared before the Lusaka High Court following her committal by the Lusaka Magistrate Court on March 2025.
Diamond TV first broke the news in January 2025 on the Diamond News Desk at 8.
In this matter, Ms. Mutuba is accused of causing the death of her husband, George Kalaba while three of her children together with a neighbour, are charged for failing to give notice of the death.
Other accused persons are Ms. Mutaba’s children, Wendy, Sandra, Natasha and her neighbour, Preteria Mbadama.
When the matter came up before Judge Ononuju at the Lusaka High Court, the state asked the court to stand down the matter as Blessings Kalaba daughter to the accused is a juvenile.
The state also indicated that they do not have a proper courtroom conducive for the environment and the social welfare is not around.
The defense has argued that the juvenile referred to by the state is not before court and the basis of standing down the matter is not clear adding the the state had already entered a nolle in respect to the juvenile.
The defense stated that it is of the considered view that the state should have written to the court the party they seek to prosecute raising a concern that if the matter is stood, it constitute a juvenile court in the absence of the juvenile, further seeking the courts guidance.
When the court asked what the defense wants rather than seeking the courts guidance, the defense requested this matter be adjourned to allow reconciliation of the record stating they are not sure if a nolle was served before court.
According to the State, from their record, there is no indication that a nolle was entered.
The Court has since adjourned the matter to 3rd June 2025 to allow reconciliation of the record with regard to the juvenile.
During the last appearance at the Lusaka Magistrate Court for explanation of the charge, Magistrate Kasankala released Ms. Mutaba’s youngest daughter, following consent from Director of Public Prosecutions to have the juvenile released from custody.
Allegations in count one are that Ms. Mutaba, on dates unknown but between July 1, 2023 and January 14, 2025, did cause the death of Mr. Kalaba.
In count two, it is alleged that Mbandama, Wendy, Sandra and Natasha during the same period, jointly and while acting together, did fail to give notice of the death of Mr. Kalaba
By Best Jere
