A Lusaka man who last year shot dead his wife and her suspected boy friend, claims he did so in self defence, according to court papers filed in the Lusaka High Court on Friday.

Peter Siwale, who is facing two counts of murder, has been sued by the relatives of his wife’s suspected boyfriend, Andrew Chibeka, for wrongful killing and they are seeking compensation.

However, in his affidavit in opposition, Siwale claims he acted in self defence in the circumstances that led to the death of the other man.

In this matter, administrator for Andrew Chibeka Jr, Grace Chanda Mumba sued Lusaka businessman, Siwale who shot dead his wife and her male friend in July last year. They have dragged Siwale to the Lusaka High Court claiming damages for unlawful killing and K66, 330 as special damages.

But Siwale in his defence denied the claims arguing that he would aver at trial that he was acting in self defence.

He indicated that the claims did not disclose any cause of action as there was no actionable cause for wrongful killing at law.

Siwale further stated that Ms Chanda was not entitled to the reliefs sought in her statement of claim and denied each and every claim.

Earlier Ms Mumba in her statement of claim stated that Siwale on July 27 last year found his wife standing on the roadside with Chibeka somewhere in Meanwood area. She stated that Siwale drove his wife and Chibeka to his house where he pulled out a gun and shot dead both of them.

She claimed Siwale had no justifiable grounds to kill Chibeka.

Ms Mumba claimed that Siwale’s unlawful act had unjustifiably deprived the beneficiaries of the estate of Chibeka their source of livelihood.

The particulars of special damages include K5, 000 for a coffin, transport K37, 650, food K20, 180 and miscellaneous expenses of K3, 500, bringing the total to K66, 330.

Siwale is currently in remand and facing trial for two counts of murder with allegations that he shot dead his wife Charity Namukoko and Chibeka on July 27 2017.