A DIVORCE case proceeding in the Matero Local Court was put on pause until it was later on adjourned because a Lusaka man’s tears flowed like the mighty Victoria Falls because he didn’t want to bury his 13 year old marriage six feet.
36-year-old Joseph Zulu, whose heart clearly wasn’t ready for heartbreak, broke down in the mid-session, leaving Senior Magistrate Lewis Mumba with no choice but to suspend the wheels of justice to allow him gather his scattered emotions.
Zulu’s wife, 32-year-old Memory Kasonso filed for divorce, citing his unwillingness to provide financial support for their household as grounds for separation.
According to Kansonso, Zulu seemed to be a well calculated economist, who earned a decent salary but couldn’t spend on his family.
Kasonso recounted the shocking discovery of her husband’s K13,000 monthly salary, hidden from her for three years until she accidentally came across his payslip while washing his jeans.
She also shared with the court that despite Zulu being her husband and father to their two children, he was utterly ignorant to even the most basic details of their lives.
Kasonso said Zulu does not know what lotion she uses or how much it costs and doesn’t even buy their children clothes, leaving her to shoulder the financial burden alone.
Determined to overcome her marital troubles, Kasonso took matters into her own hands, engaging in a business venture to supplement the household income.
However, her efforts were met with further disappointment, as Zulu resorted to locking her out of the house whenever she returned from work after 19:00 hours.
Kasonso further revealed that Zulu had become increasingly disinterested in touching her and when the blood boiled, eventually leading to the biological introduction of reproduction, he opted for a withdrawal method as a form of contraception during sexual encounters.
“He often uses the withdrawal method to ejaculate outside of me, leaving me unsatisfied and frustrated. Unless he feels like it, he will climax inside me,“ she said.
In his defense, Zulu stated that his wife doesn’t know when his boxers need to be washed or cared for, suggesting that she has become too consumed by her business ventures to tend to his needs.
“My wife has become a heavy drinker and betting has become a part of her life. She is more concerned with money than our marriage,” he said.
Zulu revealed that he had purchased a plot of land for her birthday last year, intending to demonstrate his deep love and commitment to the marriage but despite this gesture, Kasonso had continued to request a divorce, leaving Zulu struggling to comprehend the reason behind her decision.
Overcome with emotions, Zulu pleaded to preserve his marriage, portraying himself as a husband deeply devoted to his wife and their shared future.
“Your honour, my wife is so dear to my heart, a divorce would break my heart. I believe we can work through our differences and raise our children together,” he said.
As Zulu’s grief-stricken state rendered him incapable of continuing his defense, Magistrate Mumba was compelled to halt the proceedings, while Zulu struggled to regain his composure.
Magistrate Mumba stated that it is clear that there is a significant lack of communication and commitment in their marriage.
“I have adjourned this matter for now, but I urge you both to seek counseling and work through these issues if possible. Mr. Zulu, I understand your pain but I must ask you to stop crying. Don’t cry Mr Zulu,” said the magistrate.
He adjourned the matter to July 31, 2025.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 25, 2025
