Lusaka woman ends 13-years marriage due to husband’s control and laziness

A 34-year-old woman from Lusaka has decided to leave her 13-year marriage because her husband didn’t support the family and tried to control her life and what she wore.

Theresa Nachilonga explained to the Matero Local Court that she had been the only one earning money in their home, taking care of her husband Benwell Sinfukwe, 47, and their two kids, while he hardly contributed anything and instead focused on telling her how to act and dress.

“I have been taking care of this man for 13 years. He doesn’t help at all, but he wants to control my clothing and my actions,” Nachilonga said in court.

She mentioned that Sinfukwe often complained about her outfits and even suggested she should quit her job to sell tomatoes. At one point, he even threatened to marry someone younger if she didn’t do what he wanted.

Sinfukwe, who works as a security guard making K1,000 a month, admitted that he felt disrespected and embarrassed, especially since he is a church leader, because Nachilonga earned more money and had a more social lifestyle. He claimed she came home drunk and wore revealing outfits, which he thought was not okay.

Their marriage got worse after a big fight where Sinfukwe insulted Nachilonga’s father, which led her to leave their home six months ago.

In his decision, Senior Magistrate Lewis Mumba agreed to the divorce, saying that marriage should be about respect and not control. He ordered Sinfukwe to pay K1,000 a month for child support and decided that neither person would get any compensation.

“Your wife has already moved on. Accept the truth and work on improving yourself,” the magistrate told Sinfukwe.