A 32-year-old man of Chimulu Village, in Chasefu District of Eastern Province, has committed suicide after his wife thwarted his plans to sell the family mobile phone and use the money to travel to Lusaka.

Peter Soko was discovered hanging from a tree, tied to a mosquito net.

It is alleged that the now-deceased had an argument with his wife over a mobile phone after his wife stopped him from selling it.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the incident, which happened on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, around 18:00 hours and was reported to Emusa Police Post around 19:00 hours by the deceased’s brother, George Nkhoma, of the same abode.

Police say the now-deceased first attempted to end his life by ingesting a weed killer, but his wife quickly grabbed the bottle away from him.

It is alleged that Soko (now deceased) then cut a string from the mosquito net and ran into the bush as the family made frantic efforts to find him.

He was later found hanging dead on a tree.

Police do not suspect foul play and have since released the body to the family for burial.