KITWE, Zambia – A dramatic divorce case before the Buchi Local Court in Kitwe has exposed allegations of infidelity, financial disputes, alcohol abuse, and a marriage hanging in the balance after 25 years together.
The case involves Jessica Ezensi and her husband Ignatius Mutale, whose troubled relationship has become the subject of emotional testimony before the court.
According to Ezensi, she was shocked to discover that a woman her husband had introduced to her as his sister was actually his lover.
She told the court that for years she welcomed the woman into their home without suspecting there was a romantic relationship between her and Mutale.
However, Ezensi said her suspicions were raised after a friend informed her that Mutale was frequently seen in the company of the woman.
The situation became even more painful when she allegedly discovered that the woman had given birth to Mutale’s child and that the child had been named after her.
Ezensi further told the court that she later learned the child was born in the same month as one of her own children, suggesting that her husband had maintained relationships with both women during the same period.
Despite the revelations, Ezensi said she still loves her husband and hopes the marriage can be saved.
“I would like us to get back together,” she told the court.
Husband Wants Divorce
Mutale, however, expressed a different view of the marriage and asked the court to dissolve the union.
He accused his wife of excessive alcohol consumption and poor financial management.
According to Mutale, he once gave Ezensi K20,000 to purchase groundnuts for business purposes, but she allegedly returned with only four bags instead of the expected 16.
He also claimed that Ezensi was involved in an extra-marital affair during a visit to her village and that the incident allegedly led to her arrest.
Mutale admitted that he is currently involved with another woman—the same woman he had introduced to his wife as his sister—and told the court that he intends to marry her.
“I want a divorce because I am tired of staying with a woman who is fond of obtaining loans and abusing alcohol,” Mutale told the court.
Court Adjourns Matter
Following submissions from both parties, Senior Local Court Magistrate Kambole Nyoni adjourned the matter to June 16 for ruling.
The case has attracted attention due to the unusual allegations and the emotional testimony presented by both spouses as the court prepares to determine the future of their 25-year marriage.