Bishop Maxwell Mwanza, 39, the leader of a church in Lusaka's John Laing area, has taken his wife, Cynthia Bwalya, 32, to court following an alleged violent domestic incident on November 17, 2025. Mwanza claims Bwalya attacked him with a knife, stabbing him in the hands and head, and also pulled his genitals during the confrontation, leading to charges of unlawful wounding against her.
The case came before Lusaka Magistrate Kawama Mwamfuli in a recent court appearance, where Bwalya, appearing calm, entered a not guilty plea. The matter has been adjourned to January 22, 2026, for further proceedings. The incident, which occurred in their home, has drawn attention due to Mwanza's position as a religious leader in the community and the severity of the allegations involving domestic violence.
According to police reports and statements provided by Mwanza during the initial filing, the altercation stemmed from a marital disagreement that escalated late at night. Mwanza told investigators that he and his wife had an argument earlier in the day. That evening, after retiring to bed, Bwalya allegedly began a phone conversation around 2:00 a.m. with an unidentified man. Mwanza reportedly overheard her asking the man to escort her to Nalusanga to acquire cattle, prompting him to intervene by seizing the phone and questioning her about contacting another man in his presence and in their home.
In response, Bwalya is alleged to have called her husband "very foolish" and threatened, "let me show you." She reportedly attempted to strike him with a broomstick, which he blocked. She then retrieved the bedroom keys, unlocked the door, left the room briefly, and returned armed with a knife. According to Mwanza's account, she locked the bedroom door again before stabbing him in the hands and head.
As Mwanza attempted to escape, his wife allegedly struck him on the back and pulled his genitals. During the struggle, the keys dropped from her hands, allowing Mwanza to retrieve them, flee the room, lock her inside, and immediately report the matter to the police. He sought medical attention for his injuries, which included stab wounds requiring treatment.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence in Zambia, including incidents where men are victims, a topic that has sparked discussions in local media and social platforms about gender-based violence (GBV) reporting and societal perceptions. Several online commentators have noted the need for balanced coverage when men are the complainants, with some criticizing sensational headlines while others emphasize that violence in relationships, regardless of gender, should be condemned.
The incident occurred in John Laing, a densely populated residential area in Lusaka known for its mix of formal and informal settlements, where community and religious leaders often play significant roles in social guidance. Mwanza's church, though not named in most reports, is described as "popular" or "known" in the locality, adding a layer of public interest to the family dispute.
Zambian law under the Penal Code addresses unlawful wounding as a serious offense, punishable by imprisonment, and domestic violence cases are typically handled with sensitivity, often involving counseling or mediation alongside legal proceedings. The adjournment to late January 2026 allows time for evidence gathering, including medical reports, witness statements, and possibly reconciliation efforts.
This case is part of a broader pattern of reported domestic disputes in Zambia, where economic pressures, infidelity suspicions, and household tensions frequently contribute to conflicts. Authorities have urged couples to seek peaceful resolutions or professional help before situations escalate to physical violence.
As the legal process continues, the matter remains sub judice, and both parties are expected to appear again in court. The outcome could influence community perceptions of accountability in domestic relationships, particularly within religious households where leaders are held to high moral standards.
The story has been covered by various Zambian and regional outlets, reflecting public fascination with the unusual details of the alleged assault.
