Wife awarded K7, 000 for divorcing husband

Lucy Phiri writes

A LUSAKA woman has been awarded K7, 000 as compensation after she successfully divorced her husband of 25 years.

Justina Zulu, 46, of Mtendere Compound sued her husband Stanely Ngulube for divorce due to serious misunderstandings in their marriage which started in 2004.

The case was before Chelstone Local Court presiding magistrate Mary Namangala sitting with Magistrate Mwansa Mutale.

Zulu told court that they got married in 1994 and have three children and dowry was partly paid.

“My husband started sleeping out and I found him with condoms on two different occasions, I tried to ask him I couldn’t get a proper response.

“My husband doesn’t count me as a wife, he shouts at me in front of children and whenever he wants to go out he leaves without giving me any money for food,” she complained.

She further informed the court that her husband always told her that   if he had known her character earlier, he could not have married.

“I love my husband but I hate his behaviour. He is fond of telling lies and he is unfaithful. I just want the court to grant us a divorce so that I can have some rest,” she said.

In defence, Ngulube said during the early days of marriage they used to live peacefully and happily together but immediately he lost his job trouble started in the house.

“Her habits are a let-down and she says her money is only hers and mine is ours, and mostly she spends weekends attending weddings and kitchen parties,” said Ngulube.

He said he had never beaten his wife since they got married although she always denied him sex.

In submission, Zulu begged the court to grant her divorce because she was tired of games being played in the house.

The court granted her divorce and ordered Ngulube to pay her K7, 000 as compensation with K2, 000 as first instalment effective May 18, and K400 per month thereafter.

Property acquired together to be shared equally and Ngulube was also ordered to start supporting the children with K500 monthly fee.