Lusaka woman drops charges against husband after K3,000 compensation paid in assault case

In a stunning turn of events, a 55-year-old woman from Lusaka has dropped charges against her visually impaired husband, who allegedly attacked her with a pounding stick, leaving her with a deep head wound.

The dramatic case, which played out in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court, saw Inspector Anastasia Junza testify that Daniel Mwitwa, 57, had indeed assaulted his wife, Judith Lungu, 55, on February 5, 2024, at their Balmoral Research Veterinary Institute home.

However, in a surprise twist, Lungu withdrew the case on June 24, after Mwitwa paid her K3,000 in compensation.

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The court heard that the couple’s tumultuous relationship was marked by alcohol-fueled quarrels, with Lungu admitting to drinking beer on the night of the incident.

In a tense cross-examination, the defense questioned Inspector Junza’s investigation, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence and the possibility that Lungu’s injuries may have been sustained elsewhere.

The inspector acknowledged that she had not considered alternative explanations for Lungu’s wounds.

Magistrate Chrispin Hampungani found that Mwitwa had a case to answer and placed him on defense.

But on June 24, the proceedings were brought to an abrupt close after Lungu’s decision to withdraw the case, contingent on Mwitwa’s payment.

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