By Staff Reporter
A 44-year-old Lusaka man has killed himself after strangling and stabbing his wife to death with a knife at their matrimonial home over a suspected marital dispute.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga stated that on Wednesday at approximately 16:05 hours, Chelston Police Station, through Ndeke-vorna Police Post, received a distressing report from Alice Mapulanga 38, residing in Chalala Hill View area.
Hamoonga stated that Mapulanga reported a grievous incident involving Mike Ilishebo, a former employee of a named bank of unmarked house number in Meanwood Phase One area.
He stated that according to Mapulanga’s report, Ilishebo had allegedly perpetrated a heinous act against his wife, Valarie Franco 35.
“It is alleged that Mr. Ilishebo strangled Ms. Franco using an electric power adapter cable, and subsequently stabbed her in the stomach with a knife. Tragically, Mr. Ilishebo also took a poisonous substance, resulting in his own demise,” he stated.
Hamoonga stated that upon the arrival of Crime officers at the scene of crime, Franco’s lifeless body was discovered lying in the bedroom adjacent to the bed, with a knife embedded in her abdomen.
He stated that Ilishebo was found dead in the sitting room, with evidence of black poisonous substance emanating from his mouth.
Hamoonga stated that the motive behind this appalling incident appeared to stem from longstanding marital disputes between the couple.
“This tragic event transpired between 15: 00 and 16:00 hours within an unmarked residence in Meanwood Ndeke Phase One. The bodies of both individuals were transported to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary for further examination through postmortem procedures,” Hamoonga stated.
He stated that Zambia Police Service extended its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.
Hamoonga also assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to uncover the truth and ensure that justice was served.
