BARELY seven months after exchanging vows, the marriage of two Woodlands teachers, Clyde Sachipa, 31, and Diana Musonda, 28, has tragically dissolved like washing powder in water at the Matero Local Court.
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The bitter end to their union, as revealed in Musonda’s emotional testimony, is allegedly rooted in the pervasive influence of Sachipa’s mother, whose actions Magistrate Harriet Mulenga strongly condemned as a destructive pattern of parental overreach.
Musonda, told the court of the relentless campaign of interference from her mother-in-law from the very inception of their relationship.
While Sachipa initiated divorce proceedings citing disrespect from Musonda towards him and his parents, particularly his mother, Musonda painted a picture of a marriage poisoned by constant intrusion and manipulation.
According to Musonda, her mother-in-law became the Minister of Finance in their house, taking control over her husband’s finances, creating “tension and confusion” within their household.
But Sachipa alleged that his wife also demonstrated her disrespect for their marriage by removing her wedding ring and throwing it at him during arguments.
“This symbolic act suggests that Musonda not only devalues me as her husband but also rejects the significance of their marital bond,” he said.
But Musonda believes her mother-in-law has never approved of their union since they started dating which led to her potentially fueling ongoing friction and conflict in their relationship.
Musonda revealed that her mother-in-law’s interference even reached a point where she could send her nudes to Sachipa claiming that she wasn’t feeling unwell.
She asserted that her mother-in-law has repeatedly interfered in their relationship, offering unsolicited advice and criticism, often sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust.
“From the day my mother-in-law learned about our relationship, she swore she would not allow her son to marry me as long as he came from her womb. She has done everything within her power to sabotage our marriage and drive a wedge between us,” Musonda said.
“My mother-in-law claimed that the church told her I am not the right person for her son. She said that I would bring them nothing but trouble, and she would not stand for it. Despite my efforts to be accepted by her, she has opposed our marriage.”
Despite the magistrate’s attempts to mediate and reconcile Musonda and Sachipa, the man remained adamant that divorce was the only option, maintaining that his feelings for his wife had changed because of her behavior.
Magistrate Mulenga stated that it is a tragedy that many parents have resorted into destroying their children’s marriages by being overly involved in their affairs.
“While parents may have their children’s best interests at heart, they must learn to step back and allow their children to make their own choices and decisions. Interfering too much in their children’s relationships can lead to disastrous consequences, as we have seen in this case,” Magistrate Mulenga said.
She concluded that Sachipa’s lack of interest in saving the marriage, combined with Musonda’s mother-in-law’s ongoing interference, made the union unsustainable hence, granted the couple’s divorce
“No compensation is awarded to both parties as this marriage was still new, household goods should therefore be shared equally,” added the Magistrate.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba May 5, 2025
