AFTER five years of marriage, a Lusaka wife had a shock of her life when she discovered that her husband has registered his girlfriend and their child as sole beneficiaries of his estate at his place of work. Emeldah Kabamba, 26, told the Matero Local Court that her husband, Moses Kabalulika, 27, indicated in the office records that the girlfriend was his legally married wife.

The couple has two children together. Kabamba, who broke down when she was testifying before magistrate Pauline Newa, has sued Kabalukila for reconciliation. “I did not know that my husband was working for Government Stores until my brother alerted me. At his work place, I discovered that he has registered his girlfriend and their child as beneficiaries of his estate,” she said. Kabamba said she only knew that her husband was working in Kafue and went home after some days.

She told the court that Kabalukila would give her K900 when he gets paid adding he told her that he was getting K1,000 when in actual fact he gets above K6,000. Kabamba said: “I did not know that my husband gets K6,000 until his boss showed me his file. He lives in Chalala with his lover while I live in George Township.” In his defence, Kabalukila, told the court that he is in a polygamous marriage and that his wife is aware. He said he decided to take a second wife because Kabamba neglected her matrimonial duties.

“My wife stopped cooking and washing for me, I had no option but to take a second wife,” Kabalukila said. Kabalukila told the court that Kabamba started disrespecting him due to the influence of her mother’s younger sister. He told the court that he still loves his wife but wants her to change. Magistrate Newa reconciled the couple and urged Kabalukila to follow procedure if he he wants to take a second wife.