DIANA NSOFWA writes
@SunZambian
A Lusaka man who abandoned his wife for two years to cohabit with a lover, has been ordered to pay her K6, 500 by the Chilenje local court.
This is in a matter in which Abel Banda, 41, of New Chilenje compound, was sued for divorce by his wife Judith Kalunga, 40, of the same compound.
Ms Kalunga told court, presided over by magistrate Ackim Phiri, that Mr Banda, with whom she had one child, married her in 2005 but that he abandoned her at his mother’s house while he went to live with his lover elsewhere.
“He left me at his mother’s house without any support and I only survived on piecework,” she said.
She said that she had once visited her husband’s house and spoken to his lover who also confirmed they were living together.
“I want us to divorce and I will look after our son,” she said.
But Mr Banda insisted the marriage should continue so they could look after their son together.
The court however, divorced the two and ordered him to compensate Ms Kalunga K6, 500.
“The marriage has failed, the child will stay with Kalunga and you will maintain him with K250 per month which is subject to review yearly, and you will pay his school fees and take him to the hospital when ill. All household goods acquired together will be shared equally,” said magistrate Phiri.
