A divorce case before the Matero Local Court in Lusaka has heard allegations that a father placed his eight-month-old daughter in a refrigerator during domestic disputes.
The matter involved 41-year-old Ishmael Phiri, a tailor from Matero Compound, and his wife, 36-year-old Annie Siulapwa, who petitioned for divorce citing ongoing conflict following the birth of their daughter.
Testifying before Magistrate Harriet Mulenga, Siulapwa stated that the marriage initially began on a positive note but later deteriorated after the couple’s first child was born. She alleged that financial difficulties arose and that Phiri withdrew support from the household.
Siulapwa told the court that during arguments or when the baby cried persistently, Phiri allegedly placed the child in a refrigerator, claiming he wanted a male child instead of a female.
“When the baby, who was eight months old at the time, cried, he would take her and put her in the fridge. That frustrated me a lot. When she fell sick, he showed no concern and said he wanted a boy, not a girl,” she said. She added that attempts to resolve the matter through family elders were unsuccessful and that she eventually returned to her parents’ home.
She further told the court that Phiri had not provided financial support for the child since their separation, which she said occurred four years ago.
In his defence, Phiri denied placing the child in a refrigerator and described his wife as overly sensitive, stating that he did not recall the alleged incidents.
Magistrate Mulenga granted the divorce with immediate effect and ordered Phiri to pay child maintenance of K1,500 per month. The court ruled that no compensation would be awarded to either party.
