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Evidence has emerged that the late Zambia Air Force (ZAF) commander, Ronald Shikapwasha, used to beat his wife, Jane Lusengo, who is currently accused of murder.
Additionally, Shikapwasha reportedly prevented his wife from owning a phone for three years and monitored her closely, even accompanying her to kitchen parties.
The Lusaka High Court also heard that Shikapwasha fathered 12 children outside of wedlock, all from different women.
He was also alleged to have fathered twins in Tanzania and other children in Mozambique and Rwanda.
In this matter, Lusengo, 73, is charged with the murder of her husband, Shikapwasha.
At the continuation of the trial on Tuesday, the courtroom was left in shock as the defense unbundled the alleged abuse the accused suffered in the 46 years of marriage to Shikapwasha.
The deceased’s daughter, Vanessa Shikapwasha, confirmed that her father was not just adulterous but also physically abused her stepmother.
According to her statement to the police, on the fateful day of the incident, when she heard her mother running from the matrimonial bedroom into the passage, she thought Lusengo was running away from her father, as he would normally beat her.
She told the court that she had never witnessed her father beating the accused but was told so by Milika, also a stepdaughter to the accused.
The court further heard that Shikapwasha never wanted his wife to move without him, to the extent of following her to kitchen parties.
Details Vanessa confirmed to be true.
She, however, denied being aware of her father taking Lusengo to her aunt, former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa.
It was also revealed that Lusengo was expected by her husband to park her vehicle next to his during church service.
Vanessa did admit that her father had fathered many children outside of wedlock with different women.
The court also heard that Shikapwasha had four children from his first marriage and two with Lusengo.
Further evidence was adduced that Shikapwasha years ago impregnated a house helper, which resulted in a son named Abner.
The trial, which is being presided over by Judge Conceptor Zulu, continues on May 29, 2024.
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