NETIZENS were yesterday left to split over the death of Anna Kandonga, one of the women who tried to bribe police officers for the release of her husband who had defiled and infected his 10 year old daughter with HIV.
When the news broke out, Zambians wondered whether to be sad or happy that a woman who once had no mercy for a child had died while in police custody.
News of Kandonga’s death in police custody, while admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) spread across social media like a wildfire and sparked a fierce debate among netizens if the country was to mourn a mother who defended a monster or simply move on?
Some netizens called her passing karma in action, while others reminded the public that she was still human and deserved dignity even in death.
Kandonga had been jointly charged with two co-wives, Rebecca Mbewe and Sylvia Musabantu for attempting to bribe officers at Kabwata Police Station with K4,808 to have their husband Juma Banda released.
Banda had been arrested after doctors confirmed he had defiled his biological daughter and infected her with HIV.
The story of the three wives shocked the nation even more when it emerged that they not only tried to release the suspect but also pleaded with the state to adopt the girl, claiming she was now “spoiled” and no longer fit to return home.
When her death was confirmed, public opinion split right down the middle.
“Those blaming the police do they have children first of all ai,” wrote Shumirai Moyo, defending law enforcement’s handling of the case.
“There were doing fattish things those ladies, let her rest in peace abegi,” added Valentine Moose.
But for Laura Lungu, there was no mercy: “The wages of sin. They looked while the child was defiled. My sympathy is reserved mwe.”
Some were even more scathing.
“She married a monster and those are the consequences,” posted the Masculinity and Femininity Association of Zambia, while Chibesa Bwalanda Mulenga stated, “Well deserved punishment.”
Meanwhile, the likes of Mudenda Malvin simply said, “Very sad indeed.”
And Beatrice Bwalya Tembo offered a layered reflection stating that It was heartbreaking for wives who were already infected not to have mercy on the innocent child.
“Awe, we don’t know what lesson we can learn from her death. RIP Mama.”
“Maybe her body and that of the lilomba were intertwined, that’s why she died.”
“They deserve hell and jail. I personally don’t feel anything for criminals,” said Given Edwins.
By Catherine Pule
Caption Photo: Anna Kandonga in denim jacket with her co-wives
Kalemba, April 30, 2025
