Zambian couple sentenced to life imprisonment for brutal murder of 14-year-old girl

A young couple, both medical professionals, have been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of 14-year-old, Janet Chola Mpundu, whom they subjected to months of torture and abuse.

Smart Mumba and his wife, Chanda, Majory Lwembo were found guilty of inflicting severe physical harm on Janet, a vulnerable teenager from Mansa, who had been entrusted to their care under the promise of education and a better life.

Torture and Tragic Death

Instead of providing a safe home, the couple subjected Janet to relentless beatings, burns, and other horrifying mistreatment.

Forensic evidence presented in court revealed that her body bore extensive injuries, including puncture wounds, deep bruises, and burns.

Pathologist, Dr. Cordelia Himwaze, testified that her fingernails had been forcibly removed, indicating the use of sharp objects in the abuse.

Judge Vincent Siloka dismissed the couple’s claims of provocation, ruling that Janet’s death resulted from repeated, deliberate beatings.

The postmortem examination confirmed multiple blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

Mother’s Heartbreaking Testimony

Janet’s mother, Constance Mwelwa, tearfully recounted her last conversation with her daughter.

A day before her death, Janet called home and, in a weak voice, whispered: “Mayo, ndefwa”—”Mother, I am dying.”

Two months earlier, Mwelwa had received a chilling warning from Lwembo: “If you don’t want to receive your daughter’s dead body, send transport money so I can send her back.”

When asked if she was being mistreated, Janet admitted to being beaten but was unable to elaborate before the call was abruptly cut off.

The next day, Mwelwa was informed of her daughter’s death.

Court Rejects Defense Claims

During the trial, Mumba and Lwembo claimed Janet was punished for stealing food, neglecting chores, and allegedly dropping one of their infant twins.

However, the court ruled that no misbehavior justified the extreme violence inflicted upon her.

The couple’s failure to seek medical attention for Janet, even after she suffered burns from porridge, further demonstrated their intent to cover up the abuse.

Life Sentence and Warning to Parents

In delivering the life sentence, Judge Siloka emphasized that as medical professionals, the couple should have shown care and patience, not cruelty.

He also urged parents to be cautious about entrusting their children to others, warning that economic hardship should never justify exposing them to potential abuse.

Despite appeals for leniency based on their status as first-time offenders and parents of young children, the judge ruled that the gravity of their crime warranted the maximum penalty.

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