Musonda: Ex-husband appeals ruling on costly Chengelo school fees, splitting of assets in divorce case

The bitter legal wrangle between journalist Faith Musonda and her ex-husband, Bernard Chitulangoma, has intensified after Chitulangoma lodged an appeal against a court ruling that ordered him to pay half of the hefty school fees for their two children enrolled at Chengelo School.

In his notice of appeal filed before High Court Judge Pixie Yangailo, Chitulangoma argued that the District Registrar, M.Nkole, erred in both law and fact in a judgment delivered on July 9, 2025.

Read more: Court orders Musonda’s ex-husband to pay K7,500 in monthly child support, rejects claims of financial incapacity

He maintained that his financial capacity could not sustain the K100,000-plus per term required for the two children’s tuition and boarding, given his income was assessed at between K16,000 and K20,000.

Chitulangoma claimed that Musonda had unilaterally moved the children from the Italian School—described as “a good and affordable” institution to the more expensive Chengelo without valid justification.

On property matters, the appellant disputed the Registrar’s finding that the Makeni property was their matrimonial home, arguing it was a gifted property where the couple had never lived together during their marriage.

He also contested the award of a 40 percent beneficial share of the Makeni property to Musonda, insisting she had made no financial contribution towards its construction or development.

Chitulangoma equally challenged the court’s decision to leave the Salam Park property solely in Musonda’s name, claiming he had developed it during their marriage despite it being registered under her ownership.

She had stated that while the Makeni land was gifted by Chitulangoma, the flats were built with her funds while she was working abroad.

“Musonda, the respondent, deposed that she lawfully married the Petitioner, Bernard Chitulangoma, on 22nd October 2011. The marriage lasted approximately nine years until a Decree Nisi was granted on 24th September, 2020.

She is a freelance journalist and consultant with a fluctuating income and was the primary breadwinner during the marriage, as the Petitioner was largely unemployed.

Musonda stated that she solely maintained the home and the children and financed the development of two matrimonial properties,” read the judgement.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.