Edward Mwanamuchele, a 33-year-old married Zambian accountant, has admitted in court to striking his girlfriend Rhoda Munkombwe, 25, with an iron bar after discovering sexually explicit messages on her phone from other men. The admission came during his defense before Chipata High Court Judge Charles Kafunda on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Explicit Messages Sparked Rage
Mwanamuchele testified that he became enraged after reading three separate chats, which he claimed were from men saved under female names. One message read: “I have missed your manhood,” to which the man responded: “You have missed the German machine?” Mwanamuchele said his girlfriend replied: “Yes, I want you to devour me.” He further alleged that another chat confirmed she had received money from a different man, while a third conversation involved plans to meet at a lodge.
Confrontation and Accidental Blow
When confronted, Mwanamuchele said Rhoda explained that the men were helping her financially and making her feel valued. The exchanges angered him to the point of grabbing an iron bar and striking her legs, but he claimed he accidentally hit her head when she tried to shield herself. Both were intoxicated at the time, having consumed high proof whiskey while cooking together. He insisted he had no intention of killing Rhoda, whom he had dated for 18 months, saying he loved her.
Background of the Incident
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the incident occurred in August 2025 at Mwanamuchele’s home in Kanjala, Chipata. Earlier that month, Mwanamuchele had sent his wife packing after accusing her of misusing rent money. He then invited Rhoda to his home, where the alleged murder took place. Police were alerted by the landlord, who discovered Rhoda’s body with deep head wounds, cuts on her legs, and bruises across her body. Mwanamuchele was arrested and charged with murder. The trial continues before Justice Kafunda.
