A Zambian man, Mike Ilishebo, aged 44, reportedly took the life of his 35-year-old wife, Valerie Franco, before ending his own. This distressing incident occurred on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in the Meanwood Ndeke Phase One area of Lusaka.
According to a statement by Police Public Relations officer, Rae Hamoonga, Mr. Ilishebo allegedly strangled Valerie with an electric power adapter cable and inflicted a stab wound to her abdomen using a knife. The police were alerted to the incident by Alice Mapulanga, aged 38, who reported the heinous act committed by Mr. Ilishebo against his wife.
Upon the arrival of the Police Scenes of Crime officers at the scene, Valerie Franco’s lifeless body was discovered in the bedroom, lying adjacent to the bed with a knife embedded in her abdomen. Sadly, Mr. Ilishebo was found deceased in the sitting room, with a black substance emanating from his mouth, indicating that he had ingested a poisonous substance.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident occurred between 15:00 and 16:00 hours. The bodies have been transported to the University Teaching Hospital mortuary for further examination.
The motive behind this tragic event appears to be rooted in a long-standing marital dispute between Mr. Ilishebo, a Zambian man, and Valerie Franco, who is the mother of an eight-month-old child. The police are continuing their investigations to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing conflicts in a peaceful and constructive manner, seeking assistance when needed, and valuing the sanctity of human life.
