By NORMA SIAME –

A POLYGAMOUS man, who killed his first wife for failing to share fish equally with the youngest wife, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment with hard labour.
Sunday Chewe escaped a longer jail sentence from the Kasama High Court, by pleading guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter.
Chewe’s wife Ethel Kampamba, 33, died from injuries sustained from the fight that ensued between the two because of Ms Kampamba allocating herself a larger portion of the fish.
Presiding Judge Charles Chanda said his passionate mitigation had earned him maximum leniency.
Mr Justice Chanda said he had taken into account all the circumstances surrounding the case and was satisfied that the events leading to the death of Chewe’s wife, were not of his making.
“To the contrary, it was motivated by the desire for equality between his two wives in the sharing of the fish that he had bought, a sign that Chewe was indeed providing and taking care of his family,” he said.
Mr Justice Chanda gave some relationship advice during his delivery of Chewe’s judgment.
“It is desirable that spouses or even parties in relationships seek to resolve their differences or disputes by way of dialogue, common sense and not violence. Maximum restraint must always be exercised at all times even under extreme circumstances,” he said.
He said he was not in court to condemn Chewe, but to encourage reflection on actions and reactions before resorting to violence.