Chasefu Village Headman commits suicide

A village headman in Chief Magodi’s area of Chasefu District has died after allegedly consuming pesticide tablets following a domestic dispute.

Zambia Police Service Eastern Province Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, says, the deceased, Patrick Manda, 51, who was also Headman of Kada Village, allegedly consumed three maize pesticide tablets on Friday evening, June 5, 2026 and the matter was reported to Chasefu Police Post the following morning.

 Mr Mweemba said it is alleged that the deceased had a marital dispute with his wife whom he accused of infidelity.

“It is alleged that the deceased had been involved in a marital dispute with his wife, Veronica Nkhoma, 45, on June 3. The dispute reportedly arose after he accused her of infidelity,” he said.

Mr Mweemba disclosed that during the altercation, the woman was allegedly assaulted and later reported the matter to Police.

“A medical report form was issued and she sought treatment at Lundazi District Hospital,” he said.

Mr Mweemba further said two days later, at around 18:00 hours on June 5, the deceased reportedly informed family members that he had taken pesticide tablets.

He said relatives quickly rushed him to Kamzoole Health Post for medical attention but despite efforts by health personnel to save his life, he succumbed later that night and was pronounced dead at around 22:00 hours.

“The body has since been buried by family members and Officers have recorded the matter as a suspected suicide and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing,” he said.

Mr Mweemba has since urged members of the public facing emotional or personal challenges to seek assistance from family members, community leaders, healthcare providers or other available support services.