Man dies by suicide after allegedly hacking in-laws in Isoka

A 38-year-old man in Isoka District, Muchinga Province, has reportedly died by suicide after allegedly hacking his wife, mother-in-law, and another community member using an axe.

The suspect, identified as Francis Sinkala of Vitondo Village, is said to have taken his own life by ingesting suspected organophosphate pesticide after the violent attack.

According to Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Dennis Moola, the incident was sparked by a marital dispute between Sinkala and his wife, Ntawa Navile. The tensions led Navile’s mother, Edah Chileshe, to withdraw her daughter from the marriage — a move that allegedly enraged the husband.

Police say Sinkala first attacked his wife at her mother’s house, inflicting deep cuts to her cheek and head. He then reportedly proceeded to the nearby garden where Chileshe, aged 50, was working and struck her at the back of the head.

A third victim, Samuel Sichela, 35, was also hacked on the left elbow as he attempted to intervene and stop the suspect. He sustained general body injuries but was treated as an outpatient.

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Police say the alarm was first raised by Willard Sizande, a relative who was passing nearby and heard Navile calling for help.

He saw Sinkala leaving a standalone kitchen with an axe and fled to alert other community members.

By the time they returned, Navile had already been severely injured and Sinkala was heading toward the garden where he attacked Chileshe. He reportedly threatened to kill anyone who approached him. Sichela, who bravely tried to intervene, was also injured in the process.

All three victims were rushed to Isoka District Hospital.

Medical personnel have confirmed that while Chileshe’s condition was stable, Navile remains in critical condition.

Following the attack, Sinkala fled into the bush. Officers later received a tip-off that he had been seen near a graveyard drinking an unknown substance.

He was found dead near a maize field, with no visible injuries. Police believe he consumed a toxic pesticide.

His body was transported to Isoka District Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.

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