In a highly publicized case, Annie Monta, the wife of late Copperbelt based businessman Richard Chileshe Mbulu, also known as Chile One, has been found guilty of his murder. The Kitwe High Court delivered its judgment on April 4, 2025, convicting Monta of the offense of murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

The incident occurred on the night of April 30, 2022, at the couple’s matrimonial home in Kitwe, where Monta shot her husband in their bedroom. Monta pleaded not guilty leading to a trial in which the state called nine witnesses to prove the case. At the close of the prosecution case, Monta was put on her defense and gave evidence on oath, opting not to call any witnesses.

In passing sentence, Justice Evaristo Pengele considered the extenuating circumstances of the case and sentenced Monta to 20 years’ simple imprisonment. The deceased left behind seven children, three of whom he had with Monta.

Monta’s conviction serves as a reminder of the consequences of Gender Based Violence and the importance of peaceful dispute resolution even in domestic settings.