•I discovered he had four other children from four women — Wife

A 15-year marriage has ended in divorce after a Lusaka couple traded accusations of alcohol abuse, substance use, infidelity and violent behaviour before the Matero Local Court, Zambia.

Edward Kumwenda petitioned for divorce from his 40-year-old wife, Florence Wazi of Garden House, telling the court that their marriage had irretrievably broken down.

According to Zambia Reports, Edward accused Florence of abusing alcohol and sniffing insunko, a form of snuff tobacco, saying he only became aware of the habits after they got married.

He further alleged that his wife would become aggressive during disagreements and had on occasions chased him with a knife and threatened to stab him.

Edward told the magistrate, Moses Lubuwa, that he had previously filed for divorce but withdrew the case after his wife asked for another chance.

However, Florence disputed her husband’s account and told the court that their problems began after she discovered that he had fathered four children with four different women.

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She also accused him of disrespecting her parents and alleged that he once threatened to burn her with a hot pot of spaghetti.

After hearing both sides, Lubuwa granted the divorce without awarding compensation to either party.

Florence was granted full custody of the couple’s three children, while Edward was given unrestricted access.

The court also ordered Edward to pay K1,500 per month in child maintenance, effective at the end of August, with the amount subject to annual review.

The couple was  further ordered to share equally all household property acquired during the marriage.

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