Felix Mukuka, a 35-year-old builder from Lusaka’s Kabanana Compound, finds himself in a complicated legal and emotional situation after his 13-year marriage to Josphine Mukuka is unraveling due to his desires to embark on a polygamous relationship.
The couple, who shares three children, is now entangled in court proceedings as Josphine seeks reconciliation and, ultimately, divorce.
The turmoil began when Josphine, a local businesswoman, noticed significant changes in her husband’s behavior.
Over time, Felix stopped providing financial support for their family, failing to pay rent for five months.
Suspicious and distressed, Josphine discovered that Felix had moved in with his widowed side chick in Makeni, who has three children of her own.
In a dramatic court session at the Matero Local Court, Josphine revealed her heartache.
“I forgave him after discovering his infidelity because I hoped we could mend our marriage,” she explained.
“But when Felix expressed his intentions to marry the widow and openly embrace a polygamous lifestyle, I realized he was not willing to fight for our family.”
Josephine emphasized that despite her love for Felix, she could not accept the idea of sharing him with another woman.
“I’m not prepared to be part of a polygamous marriage at my age,” she stated.
“He had stopped eating and bathing at my home, and one day, he just took his belongings and left. We even have rental arrears since August last year.”
Felix, however, maintained that he still loved Josphine, claiming that his heart had the capacity to accommodate both women.
“This reconciliation can only happen if she agrees to be in a polygamous marriage. Since she has refused, I see no path forward for us,” he told the court.
After assessing the situation, Magistrate Harriet Mulenga declared the reconciliation efforts unsuccessful and advised Josphine to initiate divorce proceedings. Following this advice, she filed for divorce, which was heard on the same day, revealing further tensions between the couple.
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In a surprising declaration, Felix warned Josphine, “As we separate, I expect her to take back the words that the woman I’m with will not see good if she continues with me. She must never speak ill of her again.” T
his statement sh0cked everyone present in the courtroom.
Josephine countered, insisting on maintaining custody of their children. She expressed concern about how a new partner might treat them, something Felix opposed.
“You never truly loved this woman. Your feelings for her have faded long ago, as evidenced by your last words to Josphine,” Magistrate Mulenga asserted. She criticized Felix for prioritizing his side chick over his wife of 13 years and questioned the wisdom of marrying a woman whose late husband’s past remained a mystery.
Ultimately, the court upheld the divorce and ruled that Felix must compensate Josphine with K15,000. Additionally, custody of the children was awarded to Josphine, with Felix ordered to provide K1,500 monthly for their upkeep.
The couple’s property in 10 Miles was given to Josphine and the children, while the vehicle—a Corolla—was assigned to Felix, marking a definitive end to their tumultuous marriage.
