A toxic marriage of 27 years has ended in the merciless murder of two children on the Copperbelt.

Esther Meleki aged, 45, reported that her 47-year-old husband Peter Chimbala, allegedly killed their two daughters, 7, and, 3, by burning them to death in a house fire.

It is alleged that the marriage between the two could be characterized by perpetual disputes and death threats.

Police have since launched a manhunt for Mr Chimbala.

Copperbelt Province commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba said the incident occurred on December 1, between 21:00 hours and 22:00 hours in Lufwanyama district.

“Brief facts are that the couple had been experiencing perpetual marital disputes for a long time in their 27 year old marriage which had been characterized by death threats from the husband.On November 29th at about 20:00 hours while retiring to bed, the couple experienced a dispute which turned violent,” he said.

Mr Mweemba explained that the physical abuse persisted until November 30th, resulting in the wife escaping from her marital home to her relative’s.

He said her stay with relatives was disrupted by her husband who followed her, while riding a bicycle with one of her daughters, Melicious Chimbala, 7, to claim custody of all the seven children.

“On December 1st at about 14:00 hours, he later left for Katembula section and was later seen by the eldest daughter Annie Chimbala on his way back with the same daughter and carrying a five litres container of petrol on his bicycle,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said on the same day, at about 21:00 hours, the suspect went back to Meleki village where his wife was and turned violent while demanding custody of all his children .

He said the wife was forced to hide in the bushes out of fear.

“While in Katembula, where she had retreated to, she was awakened by her daughter, at about 22:00 hours, who claimed that she had received a call from one of her siblings to the effect that her parents’ house was set on fire by her father leading to the death of some of her siblings.

Police visited the scene and confirmed the incident and later recovered two corpses of juveniles which were burnt to ashes and were identified by the mother,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Monday, 4th December, 2023)

A Ndola teacher has been dragged to court for allegedly sexually abusing a grade 11 pupil at a school he teaches.

David Kunda aged 31 is alleged to have lured the victim to his office where he sexually abused her.

The incident is alleged to have occurred on September 28th, this year at around 21:00 hours at the school premises.

When the matter came up for before Ndola magistrate Brian Simachela, Kunda denied the accusations.

It is alleged that on the material date, the victim had gone to accused’s office to call her parents.

It was heard that after the call, when the pupil wanted to walk out from the office, Kunda allegedly locked the door and raped her.

The victim then reported the incident to other teachers the following day.

However, after denying the allegations, the matter was adjourned to December 14th for commencement of trial.

Before it’s adjournment, advocate representing the accused , Kenneth Tembo applied for bail pending trial.

Magistrate Simachela granted bail of K25,000 in accused’s own recognisance and ordered that he also bring two working surieties from well known institutions.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th November, 2023)

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has condemned the thuggery and barbaric behavior that unfolded at the High Court yesterday, where a lawyer, Linus Eyaa, was physically attacked by aggrieved members of the public.

In a statement LAZ president Lungisani Zulu said the Association has established that Mr Eyaa was merely discharging his role as a Legal Practitioner in line with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act, Chapter 30 of the Laws of Zambia, when he met the unfortunate fate, from an opposing group in the case involving Money Grow Cooperative.

He reminded members of the public of the critical role lawyers play in the development of society, in line with every lawyer’s statutory mandate.

Mr Zulu said acts of physical violence against members of the legal profession are inimical to the advancement of the public interest, which lawyers advance.

He said lawyers have always stood and continue to stand on the side of society, even offering pro bono services to indigents.

“That the unfortunate incident happened in the precincts of the High Court, which are considered as a “holy ground of justice” makes the incident more distressing and any efforts by any citizens to take the law into their own hands deserves condemnation in the strongest terms, by all well-meaning citizens,” he said.

Mr Zulu has since commended police for its quick action in saving the lawyer.

“We are happy to also learn that six suspects of the violence have since been arrested by Kabwata. Police and now await subsequent court appearance to answer for their irresponsible actions,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th November, 2023)