‘Jerry suspected I stabbed Reeves for money’
MURDER accused Tshiabu Benos yesterday told the Lusaka High Court that prominent businessman Reeves Malambo’s nephew suspected her of having stabbed Malambo because of money.
In this matter, Benos 37, of Ibex Hill, is accused of murdering Mr Malambo, who was also Auto Force proprietor, on 29th January, 2017.
Benos is alleged to have stabbed Malambo with a knife after a fight at her home in Ibex Hill.
When the matter came up for continued hearing of her defence before High Court Judge incharge Gertrude Chawatama, Benos testified that during reconstruction of the scene at her house, Jerry Malambo the nephew of the deceased asked her where she kept Mr Malambo’s safe because he thought it was the content of the safe that led to the tragedy.
Benos told the court that when she tried to find the safe where she kept it, she did not find it where she kept it under the fridge in her bedroom.
She told the court that the deceased did not keep his money in her house and that the only safe she knew of was the one that belonged to her and she kept her Brazilian weaves and a few dollars in it.
“Jerry asked me where I kept Reeves shoes, cloths and money but I told him that the clothes and shoes are in the wardrobe but that he did not keep his money at my house.
“I told him that the only safe I had was the small one where I kept my Brazilian hair and some important documents. Jerry told the scene of crimes officer that Reeves and I were practically co-habiting so whatever was in there was his uncles,” she said.
When asked why she kept such a mysterious knife (dagger) in her room, she told the court that most of the knives she got from salaula were unique and that they were meant for display.
Benos further emphasised that on the fateful night, she did not intend to stab Malambo but that everything happened fast.
“Everything happened so fast that I did not realise that I had stabbed Reeves until I saw blood oozing on his back. I would have never wanted to hurt him in any way let alone to see him dead,” she said.
During cross examination, Benos was asked to explain how Malambo knew where she kept the knives. Her response was that her bedroom was also Malambo’s and therefore he knew exactly where she kept cutlery.
Trial continues today.