The Lusaka High Court has found Silvia Mutaba with a case to answer in a matter in which she is charged with manslaughter over the death of her husband, George Kalaba, whose skeletal remains were discovered at their house in Lusaka’s Garden Luangwa compound.
On 14th January 2025, police discovered Mr. Kalaba’s remains after his brother, Emmanuel Kalaba, reported him missing.
In her ruling, High Court Judge Anna Ononuju agreed with the prosecution that there was prima facie evidence sufficient to place the accused on her defence.
Facts before the court indicate that Ms. Mutaba allegedly failed to take her husband to hospital, claiming she was acting on divine instructions and hoping for a miracle. The court heard that her belief persisted even after his death.
Evidence also showed that the deceased appeared visibly ill between August and October 2023, and that he died on 21st November 2023. It was further established that since 2023, friends and relatives were no longer allowed to visit the Kalaba home.
According to Arresting Officer Masola Simushi, Ms. Mutaba’s omission to seek medical attention for her husband left him vulnerable and ultimately led to his death.
Ms. Mutaba was initially charged alongside her three daughters and a neighbour for concealing a death. Her juvenile daughter was discharged, while the other two and the neighbour were convicted of the offence.
Ms. Mutaba is expected to commence her defence when the matter comes up next.
