Woman Arrested for Scalding Husband Over Dispute About Hiring Maid in Lilongwe

Police in Area 23 have arrested 34-year-old Bernadetta Awali for allegedly pouring boiling water on her husband, Yamikani Jonasi, following a domestic dispute over hiring a maid.

According to police, the couple, who have been married for seven years, had been arguing after Jonasi insisted that they engage domestic help. He is said to have raised concerns that Bernadetta was struggling to balance household responsibilities with her business commitments.

However, Awali reportedly rejected the idea, fearing that her husband might become involved with the maid, an insecurity she linked to their own relationship history.

Awali previously worked as a maid, and Jonasi left his former wife to be with her, a situation that authorities say contributed to her distrust.

The disagreement escalated on the day of the incident, with Awali allegedly assaulting her husband by pulling his private parts before scalding him with boiling water.

Jonasi sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Kamuzu Central Hospital, where medical officials describe his condition as extremely painful but stable.

Police have confirmed that Awali is in custody and will be charged once investigations are complete.