By Arnold Tutu
Police in Lusaka have detained a 44-year-old woman in connection with the death of a 29-year-old woman after an incident that was first reported as an assault.
The suspect, identified as RUTH MWANZA of ZAF Twin Palm Base, is being held while investigations continue into the death of MAUREEN MWEEMBA, who later died from her injuries at Maina Soko Medical Centre.In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer GODFREY CHILABI said the incident was reported to police in the early hours of January 30, 2026, at around 03:00 hours.
Mr. CHILABI said the report was made by Mr RICHARD MWEEMBA, 49, of Lilayi Estates, on behalf of his niece, MAUREEN MWEEMBA.
He said at the time, the case was recorded as assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Mr. CHILABI explained that preliminary investigations indicate that on January 30, the suspect allegedly left her home around 17:00 hours with her two children and returned at about 22:00 hours, only to find her house locked.
He said the suspect reportedly forced the door open and found her husband inside with the now-deceased, who was her neighbour.
An altercation is alleged to have followed, during which the suspect allegedly dragged MAUREEN MWEEMBA outside the house and assaulted her.
Mr. CHILABI said the victim was rushed to a clinic within ZAF Twin Palm Base before being referred to Maina Soko Medical Centre where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on life support.
He said MAUREEN MWEEMBA died from her injuries on the morning of January 31, 2026 and her body is currently at the Maina Soko Medical Centre mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Mr. CHILABI stated that following her death, police have reclassified the case from assault to murder and the suspect remains in custody, while investigations continue.
He further said the motive behind the incident is yet to be established.
