Chipata couple commit suicide

By Christopher Miti

A married couple has allegedly committed suicide for unknown reasons in Chipata, Eastern Province.

Frederick Mbao and his wife, Elina Mbewe, residents of Road Board Compound, are believed to have ingested a suspected poisonous substance used for fumigating maize grain.

Eastern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer, Stephen Mayoko, has confirmed the incident, which occurred over the weekend, saying investigations have been launched to establish the motive.

Mr. Mayoko stated that the couple was found unconscious by neighbors, who rushed them to the hospital where they eventually died.

He explained that the woman was the first to ingest the poison, followed by her husband.

Mr. Mayoko added that the woman died at Chipata District Hospital, while the man passed away at Chipata Central Hospital.

However, the deceased man’s family informed police that they received an SMS from him, indicating that he decided to take his life because his wife’s family had accused him of not taking good care of her.