01/08/2025
August 01,2025-The Zambia Police Service would like to confirm a tragic incident of murder and su***de that occurred today, August 01,2025, at around 05:30 hours in the Low Density Area of Solwezi District, and was reported to Solwezi Central Police Station at 09:21 hours by F/Kalumbu Agnes, aged 45, of the same residence.
According to the report, F/Womba Samulozela, aged 41, and her stepbrother M/Wanna Samulozela, aged 42, were fatally shot by M/Funkuta Muyembi, aged 46, a Police Officer stationed at Solwezi Central Police Station, who was also the husband to the deceased Womba Samulozela. The incident is believed to have stemmed from an ongoing marital dispute.
Police officers promptly responded to the scene and discovered all three deceased persons in the same room. The bodies of the two victims were found lying on the floor, while the body of the shooter lay partially on the bed.
Detailed observations at the scene revealed the following:
F/Womba Samulozela sustained a gunshot wound on the left side of the ribs, with an exit wound on her back.
M/Wanna Samulozela was shot on the left side of the ribs; however, no exit wound was observed.
M/Funkuta Muyembi, the officer, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of the neck, with an exit wound at the back of the head. An AK-47 rifle, serial number 1674, was found clamped on his chest with the safety catch open, one round in the chamber, and two rounds remaining in the magazine.
The firearm was a police-issued weapon drawn by the officer earlier that morning at 05:05 hours, as recorded in the Occurrence Book at the Inquiries Office. Officer Muyembi had indicated that he was following up on a report at Mutanda.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the officer gained entry into the house using a spare key and proceeded to shoot his wife and her stepbrother before taking his own life. It has also been established that the couple had separated on July 30,2025 following a series of marital disputes.
The late M/Wanna Samulozela has been identified as a medical doctor stationed at Solwezi Provincial Health Office, recently transferred from Lusaka. He had been residing with the couple at the time of the incident.
Police have since instituted a full scale investigation into the matter. All three bodies have been transported to Solwezi General Hospital mortuary where they await postmortem examinations and subsequent burial.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of addressing domestic disputes through peaceful and lawful means. The Zambia Police Service deeply regrets the loss of life and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
