Tragedy as police officer shoots wife, brother-in-law before taking own life in Solwezi

Police in Solwezi have confirmed a tragic incident of murder and suicide involving a police officer who took the lives of his wife and brother-in-law before shooting himself.

The incident happened on August 01,2025, at around 05:30 hours in Solwezi District, Northwestern province.

According to the report, Womba Samulozela, aged 41, and her step-brother, Wanna Samulozela, aged 42, were fatally shot by Funkuta Muyembi, aged 46, a Police Officer stationed at Solwezi Central Police Station, the husband to the deceased.

Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, said in a statement on Friday that the incident was 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,” Hamoonga said.

He said detailed observations at the scene revealed Womba Samulozela sustained a gunshot wound on the left side of the ribs, with an exit wound on her back while Wanna Samulozela was shot on the left side of the ribs but that no exit wound was observed.

The police officer, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of the neck, with an exit wound at the back of the head.

Hamoonga said an AK-47 rifle was found clamped on his chest with the safety catch open, one round in the chamber, and two rounds remaining in the magazine.

He confirmed that 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.

He said preliminary investigations suggest that the officer gained entry into the house using a spare key and proceeded to shoot his wife and her step-brother 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 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.

Hamoonga said police have instituted a full scale investigation into the matter as all the three bodies have been transported to Solwezi General Hospital mortuary where they await postmortem examinations and subsequent burial.

He added that the unfortunate incident highlighted 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.”

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