A 33-year-old Chipata accountant on trial for the murder of his girlfriend has admitted in court that he struck her with an iron bar after discovering sexually explicit messages on her phone from other men.
The accused, Edward Mwanamuchele, told Chipata High Court Judge Charles Kafunda during his defence today that he became enraged after reading three separate chats, which he claimed were from men saved under female names.
He testified that one of the messages read: “I have missed your manhood,” to which the man responded: “You have missed the German machine?” Mwanamuchele said his girlfriend replied: “Yes, I want you to devour me.”
He further alleged that another chat confirmed she had received money from a different man, while a third conversation involved plans to meet at a lodge.
Mwanamuchele told the court that when he confronted his girlfriend, she explained the men were helping her financially and making her feel valued.
He said the exchanges angered him to the point of grabbing an iron bar and striking her legs, but claimed he accidentally hit her head when she tried to shield herself.
He added that both were intoxicated at the time, having consumed high proof whiskey while cooking together.
He insisted he had no intention of killing Rhoda Munkombwe, whom he had dated for 18 months, saying he loved her.
The incident occurred at his residence in the Kanjala area in August last year.
The trial continues before Justice Kafunda.
-Zambia Daily Mail
