A 25 year old marriage is facing collapse after a woman accused her husband of subjecting her to constant insults and repeatedly accusing her of having an affair with her pastor.
The dispute came before the Nakonde Urban Local Court in Zambia, where Precious Chileshe, 41, filed for the dissolution of her marriage to her husband, Israel Simwinga, 44.
Israel, a businessman, told the court that his wife had become more devoted to her church leader, whom she refers to as “Papa,” than to her husband.
He alleged that their home was filled with photographs and stickers of the cleric and claimed she relied on items associated with the church leader whenever she fell ill.
According to him, any attempt to question her loyalty to the church resulted in heated arguments, adding that he believed the church leader had become the centre of his wife’s attention.
Although the identity of the church leader and the church was mentioned during proceedings, it was withheld in the court report.
Israel told the court he no longer opposed the divorce, stating that while the couple had enjoyed about 20 years of a successful marriage, the relationship had deteriorated over the past five years.
He alleged that his wife no longer treated him as the head of the family and claimed he once confronted the church leader over the issue but was dismissed.
The husband further alleged that his wife’s remarks about having a better marriage in the future made him suspect she was involved with another man, prompting him to accuse her of prostitution.
Responding to the allegations, Precious denied any wrongdoing and accused her husband of humiliating and verbally abusing her throughout the marriage.
She told the court that their problems began after she left the United Church of Zambia in 2017 to join a Pentecostal church with her husband’s consent.
However, she said he later demanded that she stop attending the church in 2023.
According to her, she complied by returning to her former church, but her husband still complained about her attitude during worship.
She eventually stopped attending church altogether for nearly a year, yet the disagreements persisted.
The mother of five said her husband frequently accused her of having an affair with her pastor and publicly alleged that she abandoned him for another man whenever she travelled to her farm in Northern Province.
She also told the court that her husband repeatedly blamed her for his misfortunes and said he regretted marrying her, despite the sacrifices she made, including helping to raise two children he had outside their marriage until they became adults.
Senior Local Court Magistrate Collins Chinsha urged the couple to reconcile, describing the issues before the court as insufficient grounds to end a marriage that had lasted more than two decades.
The magistrate asked Precious whether she would consider leaving her church in an effort to save the marriage, while Israel assured the court he was willing to rebuild the relationship if she agreed.
However, Precious declined, insisting she would not abandon her place of worship.
Following the failed reconciliation, the court fixed a date for an inspection of the couple’s jointly owned properties, including their residence, rental apartments, shop and household belongings, ahead of judgment in the case.