Husband Scalds Wife’s Private Parts with Battery Acid in Rumphi

Barely a week after the launch of 16 days of activism against gender based violence, a serious GBV case has been recorded at Kondowe in Rumphi district as nn 18 year old young woman, Winnie Gondwe is battling for her life after her husband poured battery acid on her private parts after some marital disagreements.

According to the victim’s uncle, Zinyengo Banda, whose relative was married to Patson Bavi Chisambi of Thawata Village of Traditional Authority Mwalweni at Livingstonia, Rumphi District.

Chisambi who is currently on the run suspected the woman to be going out with another man hence followed his wife to her parents where she sought refuge after their marriage broke some few weeks ago.

“He beat her severely and poured battery acid to her private parts, we took her to the hospital the following day upon issuance of a police docket for facilitation of treatment and a medical report at David Goldon Memirial Mission Hospital,” Banda said.

The law must immediately take its course

A female police officer based at Kondowe, Linda Chirwa confirmed the incident but referred this reporter to Chitimba sub-police station for further details.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director for Purple Innovations, Patricia Mtungira whose organization is one of the implementing partners of the Spotlight Initiative project through the UN Women aimed at eradicating GBV at all levels in the society called for speedy arrest of the culprit.

“It is our hope that the culprit will be brought to book in the soonest time possible,” Mtungira said.

Delegates to this year’s Spotlight Women forum in Mzimba District

Unfortunately the incident has happened when Malawi has joined the rest of the world in observing Sixteen Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence being commemorated under the theme “Unite! Activism to EnGender-Baseded Violence in Malawi” focusing on the need for joint efforts and unity in raising awareness on ending violence against women and girls.