By White Luhanga
A 40-year-old teacher at Songeya Primary School in Vubwi District of Eastern Province has died after allegedly taking his own life by consuming maize preservative tablets.
The deceased has been identified as Martin Chikonde of Chief Pembamoyo’s Chiefdom.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the incident occurred on 6th January 2026 at around 23:00 hours and was reported in the early hours of 7th January 2026.
Brief facts of the matter are that earlier on the same day, at around 07:00 hours, Mr. Chikonde left home for Chipata Town, where he met his sister, who advised him against committing suicide following two previous attempts.
Mr. Chikonde reportedly assured her that he would not attempt to take his life again.
It is believed that the deceased had been facing a pending disciplinary charge at his workplace, which was expected to be addressed when schools reopen on 12th January 2026.
Mr. Chikonde later returned home at around 19:00 hours and was having supper with his family when his 10-year-old daughter reportedly complained about his frequent quarrelling with her mother whenever he returned home drunk.
Mr. Mweemba said this reportedly angered him, and he demanded an apology from the child, threatening to curse her.
He then reportedly stopped eating, locked himself in the bedroom, and continued shouting at his wife and daughter.
Mr. Mweemba said that at around 20:00 hours, his wife went to the bedroom to collect a blanket to sleep with the children. Upon opening the door, she noticed a strong smell and alerted the children, who also sensed it.
He said they then informed the Deputy Headteacher, who accompanied them to the room.
Mr. Chikonde was found lying on the bedroom floor, with half of a maize preservative tablet beside him.
He was immediately rushed to Vubwi District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 23:00 hours.
Mr. Mweemba said that police inspected the body and found no signs of foul play.
The body has been deposited at Chipata General Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination.
Police have since instituted investigations into the matter.
Ends