Zambian man commits suicide after killing his wife

In Zambia, a tragic incident unfolded as Mike Ilishebo, a 44-year-old former bank employee, allegedly took the life of his 35-year-old wife, Valerie Franco, before ending his own life.

The heartbreaking event occurred on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the Meanwood Ndeke Phase One area in Lusaka.

Rae Hamoonga, the Police Public Relations officer, confirmed the details in a statement on Thursday, April 4. According to Hamoonga, Ilishebo reportedly used an electric power adapter cable to strangle Valerie and then stabbed her in the stomach with a knife.

Hamoonga's statement included the account: "Yesterday, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at approximately 16:05 hours, Chelston Police Station, through Ndeke-vorna Police Post, received a distressing report from Alice Mapulanga, 38, that Mr. Ilishebo has perpetrated a heinous act against his wife, Valerie, aged 35."

Upon police investigation, Valerie's lifeless body was found in the bedroom with the knife wound, while Mr. Ilishebo was discovered deceased in the sitting room with a substance emitting from his mouth.

The incident is believed to have taken place between 15:00 and 16:00 hours. The bodies were taken to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary for further examination.

Hamoonga indicated that the motive behind this tragic event seemed to stem from a longstanding marital dispute between the couple, who had an eight-month-old child together.