Chama, 27th September 2025 – A 20-year-old woman of Chibalila Village in Chama District is battling for her life in hospital after she was allegedly hacked with a machete by her husband in a suspected marital dispute.
Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident, which occurred around 04:00 hours today and was reported to Chama Police Station at 07:30 hours.
The victim has been identified as Timanye Mutambo, while the suspect is her husband, Medson Kumwenda, 24, of the same village.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the couple, who married in November 2022 and have a two-year-old daughter together, had been living peacefully until recent rumors emerged that Kumwenda had impregnated another woman, identified as Kota Namfukwe of Chitanda Village.
Commissioner Mweemba said the confrontation over the allegations escalated into a violent fight in which the suspect allegedly picked up a machete and attacked his wife.
Injuries sustained by the victim include, A deep cut to the back of the head, A deep cut to the back of the neck, An amputated middle finger on the right hand, Deep cuts on the left shoulder and Multiple bruises on both hands.
She was initially rushed to Sitwe Health Post before being referred to Chama District Hospital, where she is admitted in critical condition.
A team of officers who visited the scene, located about 52 kilometers from Chama town, recovered a blood-stained machete and the amputated finger from the couple’s grass-thatched house.
“The suspect is currently on the run. A manhunt has since been launched, and investigations have been instituted. A docket of case has been opened, and a medical form has been issued,” Commissioner Mweemba stated.
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