In Kitwe, Zambia, a 30-year-old man, James Banda, has taken legal steps to seek a divorce from his wife after a long-concealed truth came to light.

James and his wife Barbara, both Jehovah’s Witnesses, entered into marriage in 2013, seemingly starting a harmonious journey together.

However, the foundation of their union began to crack two years later when Barbara revealed a closely guarded secret – she actually had three children, not just the one she had initially disclosed.

James explained, “When we were about to get married, she told me that she had one child and I accepted because I also had one. Two years later, she said she had three children and this came as a surprise to me.”

In his testimony, James expressed that he sought a divorce primarily because he lacked the means to provide for the three children. He was also disheartened by the fact that neither his wife nor her family had been forthright about this matter from the beginning of their relationship.

However, Barbara conveyed to the court that she did not desire a divorce, despite James having married a second wife during their four-year separation. She expressed her willingness to engage in a polygamous marriage because she still loved her husband. Barbara also expressed deep regret for her actions and sincerely asked James for forgiveness.

Upon hearing Barbara’s testimony, the court determined that dissolving their marriage against Barbara’s wishes would not be appropriate.

As a result, the court instructed Barbara and James to return after they have mutually reached a decision on it.