SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
A 28-year old man of Kondwerani village in Sinda district has died after he drank some poisonous substance in a suspected suicide act.
Joseph Mwale was reported to have committed suicide by drinking a poisonous substance following a fight with his wife.
Kamwaza Ward Councillor Fredrick Lungu who confirmed the incident said Mr Mwale fought with his 21-year-old wife identified as Zelipa Mwanza on Sunday night.
“Yes Joseph Mwale of Kondwerani village in Sinda district died last night around 23:05 hours after drinking a poisonous substance following a fight with his wife wife Zelipa Mwanza,” Mr Lungu said.
He explained that Zelipa’s brother went to the house to try to stop the fight and resolve the matter when Joseph picked an axe and struck it on the chest of his wife’s brother Asafu Mwale, aged 23, thereby inflicting a large wound.
“Immediately, Joseph ran into the bush and headed for his vegetable garden where he went to collect Doom pesticide for killing pests,
“When he arrived back at the village, he woke up the neighbours and said goodbye. A while later he drunk the poison,” said Mr Lungu.
Mr Lungu said Joseph was rushed to Kondwerani Clinic where he died at 23:05 hours and Asafu was treated of the wound and was reported to be out of danger.
He said the body of the deceased has since been taken to nearby Kalinda village for burial after both families have assured police that their relative took poison and that there was no foul play.
He said Joseph who was originally from Kalinda village in Chieftainess Nyanje went to stay at Kondwerani village two years ago after marrying Zelipa.
Eastern Province police commissioner could not be immediately reached for a comment.