By Arnold Tutu
Police in Lusaka have recorded a warn and caution statement from a 44-year-old woman in connection with the death of her 29-year-old neighbour following an alleged assault in Twinpalm area.
Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer GODFREY CHILABI has confirmed that the suspect, RUTH MWANZA, is being investigated for an alleged offence of murder, contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code.
The case relates to the death of MAUREEN MWEEMBA.
The incident was initially reported in the early hours of January 30, 2026, by RICHARD MWEEMBA on behalf of his niece, MAUREEN MWEEMBA.
At the time, the matter was recorded as assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Preliminary investigations by police indicate that on January 30, the suspect reportedly left her home around 17:00 hours with her two children and returned later that night to find her house locked.
Police allege that she forced the door open and found her husband inside the house with MAUREEN MWEEMBA, who was her neighbour.
An altercation is said to have followed, during which MAUREEN MWEEMBA allegedly sustained serious injuries after being dragged outside and assaulted.
The victim was first taken to a local 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.
She died in the early hours of January 31, 2026.
Following her death, police reclassified the case from assault to murder.
And Mr. CHILABI said a postmortem examination was conducted yesterday, February 3, 2026, as part of ongoing investigations.
Police have since recorded a warn and caution statement from RUTH MWANZA, who remains in custody pending the completion of investigations and possible formal charges.
