Jealousy Attack: Woman Slashes Fellow Worker Over Alleged Affair with Her Husband

A 25-year-old woman, Ruth Kanyemba, is in police custody after allegedly slashing another woman, also aged 25, Grace Phiri, with a panga knife in Biya, Nkhata Bay District, accusing her of having an affair with her husband.

According to Mzuzu Police spokesperson Augustus Nkhwazi, the two women were working as casual laborers harvesting crops in a private field in Biya when the incident occurred.

Police say Kanyemba had long suspected that Phiri was romantically involved with her husband. On 27 July, while they were working in the field, she reportedly confronted Phiri again about the issue, which led to a heated exchange. Kanyemba then allegedly struck Phiri on the back with a panga knife she had been carrying.

Phiri managed to flee and was rushed to Mzuzu Central Hospital, where she is receiving medical treatment.

Meanwhile, Kanyemba was immediately arrested and is being held at Mzuzu Police Station pending formal charges and court appearance.

Police identified Ruth Kanyemba as originally from Senzani Village, Traditional Authority Njolomole in Ntcheu, while Grace Phiri hails from Kasiyadanga Village, Traditional Authority Chulu in Kasungu District.