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A 61-year-old man from Lusaka’s Obama area has admitted in court to assaulting his wife with an iron bar after a drinking spree.
James Sichula appeared before Lusaka Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya, facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to section 248 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Zambian laws.
Sichula was accused of assaulting his wife, Ruth Phiri, 46, on August 12, causing physical harm.
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Phiri testified that the incident occurred around 11:00 hours when Sichula returned home intoxicated and demanded Nshima.
“When he returned from drinking, he asked for Nshima, but I told him I hadn’t cooked because I had no money after doing piece work that day,” she said.
Phiri explained that Sichula became verbally abusive and insisted on helping their child with homework despite his intoxicated state.
When she objected, Sichula called her “fontini” (backward) and refused to back down.
During the argument, Phiri questioned his lack of financial support, to which Sichula reportedly responded, “You are the one who felt the labour pains, so you should make sure the children have something to eat.”
Phiri further testified that when she attempted to leave the house, Sichula struck her with an iron bar near her eyebrow.
“I screamed for help and neighbors advised me to hide. He then picked up a stone and hit me again,” she added.
With the help of neighbors, Phiri managed to escape and reported the assault to Munali Police Station.
She also recalled a previous incident in 2012 when Sichula assaulted her with an iron bar, which she had forgiven.
Phiri stated that Sichula frequently sits naked in the living room, claiming their children need to “see how he is.”
She expressed fear for her life, asking the court for protection: “I have come here because he wants to kill me.”
During cross-examination, Sichula admitted to beating his wife over the homework argument but denied other allegations.
The case has been adjourned to October 29.
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