By Christopher Miti
The Chipata High Court has sentenced a woman from Nyimba District to two years imprisonment for causing the death of her husband following a dispute over a sim card.
Judge Mercy Makubalo jailed Mwanyala Tembo after she pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter, from the initial charge of murder.
The court heard that Tembo caused the death of her husband, Mabvuto Zulu of Laundani Village, Chief Ndake, after striking him with a hoe handle during the disagreement.
According to facts presented by State Advocate Yvonne Nachande, the incident occurred on August 23, 2025, after Zulu accused his wife of taking his sim card. He began whipping her, prompting Tembo to retaliate by hitting him, which led to his death.
In mitigation, Legal Aid Counsel Elizabeth Chinyakama said Tembo, who is remorseful, has six children with the deceased and is eight months pregnant.
Judge Makubalo noted that the death of her husband will haunt Tembo, as their children will continue asking about their father’s whereabouts and how he died. The sentence takes effect from the date of her arrest.
