Sylvia Mutuba, the wife of the late George Kalaba, whose skeletal remains were discovered on their matrimonial bed in January, has been committed to the High Court for trial on a charge of manslaughter.
Her three daughters, Wendy Kalaba, 27, Sandra Kalaba, 22, and Natasha Kalaba, 19, along with a family friend, Preteria Mbadama, 44, are facing a charge of failure to give notice of death.
The accused have all been committed to the High Court for trial.
Meanwhile, the 15-year-old daughter of the late Kalaba, who was initially arrested with the accused, has been released from custody.
The Zambia Police Service confirmed that she was not involved in the alleged crime.
Appearing before Lusaka Magistrate Constance Kansakala, the accused were formally informed of the charges and committed for trial.
The prosecution confirmed that the child offender was not part of the charge and submitted an amended indictment to the court.
“We are now ready to proceed with the initial indictment, and we tender the disposition of the minor from the charge,” stated state prosecutor Victor Moonga.
The court then proceeded with the explanation of charges, informing the accused that their case is triable by the High Court.
The disturbing discovery was made in Lusaka on January 14, 2025, where the skeletal remains of Kalaba were found on his matrimonial bed.
It is alleged that the accused wife was using the remains for spiritual miracles.
Remarkably, the family had lived with the corpse for two years, hosting prayers and even a Christmas party in the same house, without arousing suspicion from neighbors.
The incident is believed to have occurred between July 1, 2023, and January 14, 2025, in Lusaka’s Garden-Luangwa compound.
