A 33-year-old married Zambian accountant standing trial for the alleged murder of his 25-year-old girlfriend, Rhoda Munkombwe, has admitted in court that he attacked her with an iron bar after discovering sexually explicit messages on her phone.
The accused, Edward Mwanamuchele, told Chipata High Court on Wednesday that he became enraged after reading three conversations he claimed were from men whose contacts had been saved under female names.
According to his testimony, one message read, "I have missed your manhood," to which the sender replied, "You have missed the German machine?" He said Rhoda responded, "Yes, I want you to devour me."
Mwanamuchele also claimed another chat showed she had received money from a different man, while a third involved plans to meet someone at a lodge.
He told the court that when he confronted Rhoda, she explained the men were supporting her financially and made her feel appreciated. He said the revelation enraged him, prompting him to grab an iron bar and strike her on the legs. According to him, she raised her hands to protect herself, and he accidentally struck her on the head.
The defendant said both of them had been drinking high-proof whiskey while cooking together and insisted he never intended to kill Rhoda, whom he said he loved and had dated for 18 months.
Police said the incident occurred in August 2025 at Mwanamuchele's home in Kanjala, Chipata. Investigators alleged that he had earlier sent his wife away after accusing her of misusing rent money before inviting Rhoda to the house, where the fatal incident occurred.
Authorities said the landlord alerted police after discovering Rhoda's body with severe head injuries, cuts on her legs, and multiple bruises. Mwanamuchele was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
The trial continues before Justice Charles Kafunda.
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