Zambian Woman Dies After Consuming Poison Amid Pressure from Husband to Have Childre
Published on November 11, 2025 at 12:12 PM by Evance Kapito
A 28-year-old woman from Chipata in Zambia’s Eastern Province has died by suicide after allegedly facing intense pressure from her husband and in-laws over her inability to have children.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident, identifying the deceased as Rosemary Banda. He said the tragedy occurred at her mother’s home in Chipangali District.
According to police reports, Rosemary had travelled from Lusaka to visit her mother, Agness Chirwa, following a heated dispute with her husband, Cleoshus Mwanza, about her struggle to conceive.
While staying at her mother’s home, Rosemary reportedly went to Mugubudu Trading Area on Sunday and returned shortly after, informing her mother that she had consumed a pesticide out of distress and frustration with her marriage.
She soon began vomiting and was rushed to Chipata Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a few hours later.
Police say investigations are underway, while the case has reignited public discussion on the emotional toll and stigma surrounding infertility in marriages.
