Married man admits striking his girlfriend to d3ath with iron bar after discovering explicit messages on her phone

A 33-year-old married Zambian accountant on trial for the m8rder of his girlfriend Rhoda Munkombwe, 25, has admitted in court that he struck her with an iron bar after discovering s3xually explicit messages on her phone from other men.

The accused, Edward Mwanamuchele, told Chipata High Court Judge Charles Kafunda during his defence on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 that he became enraged after reading three separate chats, which he claimed were from men saved under female names.

He testified that one of the messages read: “I have missed your manh00d,” to which the man responded: “You have missed the German machine?” Mwanamuchele said his girlfriend replied: “Yes, I want you to devour me.”

He further alleged that another chat confirmed she had received money from a different man, while a third conversation involved plans to meet at a lodge.

Mwanamuchele told the court that when he confronted his girlfriend, she explained the men were helping her financially and making her feel valued.

He said the exchanges angered him to the point of grabbing an iron bar and striking her legs, but claimed he accidentally hit her head when she tried to shield herself.

He added that both were intoxicated at the time, having consumed high proof whiskey while cooking together.

He insisted he had no intention of k!lling Rhoda Munkombwe, whom he had dated for 18 months, saying he loved her.

According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the incident happened in August 2025 at Mwanamuchele’s home in Kanjala, Chipata.

Mwanamuchele had earlier this month sent his wife packing after accusing her of misusing rent money. 

He then invited Rodah to his home, where the alleged m3rder took place. 

Police were alerted by the landlord, who discovered Rodah’s body with deep head wounds, cuts on her legs, and bruises across her body. 

Mwanamuchele was arrested and charged with m8rder. 

The trial continues before Justice Kafunda.