A 41-year-old man from Simwendenge Village, under Chief Moonze in Monze District, Southern Province, has told the High Court sitting in Mazabuka that on the night he allegedly killed his wife, he drank 70ml of Doom insecticide and 500ml of dip in an attempted suicide. He also tried to throw himself in front of a speeding vehicle.
Shiinde Chimbwe faces a murder charge under Section 200 of Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia. In his defence, he said marital problems began in 2024 after he suspected his wife of having an affair with a man named Dala Emerson Choongo. He claimed to have found nude pictures of his wife on her phone, allegedly being sent to the suspected lover via WhatsApp. The phone had been handled by a child and returned while his wife slept, prompting him to check it.
Chimbwe said he once involved his sister to mediate their disputes, but she ended up in a fight with his wife. He also attempted suicide by pouring petrol on himself, claiming he wanted to leave his wife. He described his wife as his mother, daughter, father, sister, and friend, saying he loved her deeply.
During cross-examination, Chimbwe admitted apologising to his in-laws through actions for the death of his wife, but insisted the alleged affair contributed to the tragedy. He asked the court for leniency.
The accused’s father-in-law testified that the couple had long-standing marital issues and had not had sexual relations for 11 years. The accused’s daughter also testified in the matter, stating that on the fateful day, she found her mother lying in a pool of blood outside near the verandah of their house.
When she asked what had transpired from two people she found at home—one of them identified as George, whom they were staying with—he said his uncle, the suspect, had murdered her.
Judge Justice Wina has since adjourned the matter to 20th March 2026 for judgement.
By Helga Chibwe
