Petauke woman kills self after family confronts her over pregnancy

A FAMILY in Petauke is struggling to come to terms with the death of their 38-year-old daughter who took her own life after being confronted by relatives over a suspected pregnancy. On Tuesday morning, Naomi Banda was questioned by her younger sister Patricia Mwanza and their 76-year-old grandmother Josephine Banda after they noticed signs suggesting […]

A FAMILY in Petauke is struggling to come to terms with the death of their 38-year-old daughter who took her own life after being confronted by relatives over a suspected pregnancy.

On Tuesday morning, Naomi Banda was questioned by her younger sister Patricia Mwanza and their 76-year-old grandmother Josephine Banda after they noticed signs suggesting she was pregnant.

According to police, Naomi admitted she was expecting a child but told her relatives that she intended to abort the pregnancy and refused to reveal the man responsible.

Despite her confession, the family counselled her against terminating the pregnancy.

Naomi later went about her day as usual and even prepared supper for the family on Wednesday evening.

However, around 21:00 hours, she quietly disappeared from home without telling anyone where she was going.

Her sister and grandmother searched for her throughout the night but could not find her.

The following morning, villagers joined the search and around 11:00 hours yesterday, Patricia stumbled upon her sister’s lifeless body inside an isolated two-roomed grass-thatched house in Chivunga Village.

Police officers who visited the scene found a blue cup containing a white substance suspected to be maize preservative chemicals lying beside the body.

According to Eastern Province police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba, the body had no visible injuries and investigators do not suspect foul play.

Mweemba said the matter was reported to Petauke Police Station yesterday by Patricia Mwanza.

“No foul play suspected and the body has since been handed over to the relatives for burial,” Mweemba stated.

By George Musonda
Kalemba August 7, 2026