Dowa woman beaten to paralysis

Police in Dowa have arrested Gift Kabango, 27, for allegedly beating his wife to paralysis after a family dispute.

Men for Gender Equality Now (Megen), a grouping of men that fight against domestic and gender based violence, has since condemned the incident that happened on April 13.

Megen chairperson Wells Munthali said his group received a report about the incident in Dowa where Nelia Kantayeni, 21, was wounded and is battling for her life at Dowa District Hospital.

He said Kantayeni sustained injuries on both arms as she was beaten with a wooden stick.

Munthali said the incident happened at Makhambila Village in Dowa.

Megen has since advised men in Dowa and nationwide to desist from beating their wives whenever there are disagreements, saying dialogue is key to happy marriages.

Medical and police reports show that the victim, who is five months pregnant, was brutally beaten by her husband after allegedly querying him for coming home later than expected.

The report also shows that the husband took his wife to Mtengowathenga Mission Hospital in Dowa to seek medical attention.

However, according to the report, when medical officials at the hospital saw the condition was worsening they referred the case to Dowa District Hospital where she is currently admitted to.

The medical report recommends that the victim should not undertake any hard work for almost 18 months.

Kabango, who comes from Makhambila Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiwere in Dowa, is expected to appear in court soon to answer the charge of unlawful wounding contrary to Section 241 of the Penal Code.

The offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment