A 26-year-old man in Katete District, Eastern Province, is on the run after allegedly burning his wife’s private parts with hot boiling porridge and burning charcoal following accusations of infidelity.
The incident is the latest shocking case in what authorities say appears to be a rising trend of gender-based violence (GBV) in Eastern Province, coming barely a day after reports of a husband in Lundazi allegedly pouring hot cooking oil on his wife.
Incident Happened in Ibex Compound, Katete
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the matter in a statement to TV Yatu, saying the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, around 18:00 hours, in Ibex Compound of Katete District.
Mr. Mweemba identified the suspect as John Phiri, aged 26, while the victim has been identified as Getrude Phiri, aged 21.
Wife Reported the Matter to Katete Police
Police stated that Getrude reported the matter to Katete Police Station, alleging that her husband caused grievous bodily harm to her private parts.
Mr. Mweemba explained that the victim reportedly left her matrimonial home around 17:00 hours to visit her aunt who stays in the same area.
“At around 17:00hrs, Getrude Phiri left home to visit her aunt who stays within the same area after her husband left home to go and watch a football match,” Mweemba said.
Husband Allegedly Attacked Her After She Returned Home
Police said when the victim returned home around 18:00 hours, she found her husband in an aggressive mood.
It is alleged that the suspect accused his wife of infidelity and when she attempted to defend herself, he pushed her to the ground before picking a pot containing hot porridge.
Mr. Mweemba said the suspect allegedly poured the boiling porridge on his wife’s private parts.
He further alleged that the suspect picked up a brazier and emptied burning charcoal on the victim’s private parts, causing severe burns.
Victim Given Police Medical Form
Mr. Mweemba said the victim was issued with a Police Medical Report Form to seek medical attention.
He confirmed that no arrest has been made yet because the suspect fled the area immediately after committing the act.
“No arrest made as the husband bolted the area after the act. Meanwhile, a manhunt has since been instituted to bring to book the culprit,” Mweemba stated.
Police Warn Against Domestic Violence
The Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer has since warned couples against resorting to violence whenever misunderstandings arise, urging people to resolve disputes peacefully.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many Zambians calling for stronger action against perpetrators of GBV.
Source: TV Yatu | April 16, 2026
