BEFORE her name made the news for all the wrong reasons, Womba Samulozela was known in Solwezi for something far more inspiring.
At just 36, Womba had carved out a reputation for herself in the male-dominated construction industry, managing her own projects, building homes, and earning admiration for doing what many considered men’s work.
Just three years ago, Womba Samulozela danced in her white gown, full of joy and dreams, during a colourful wedding and kitchen party that left many admiring her love story.
She tied the knot in 2022 with her lover Funkunta Muyembi, 46, a police officer stationed at Solwezi Central Police station.
Sadly, that bright journey was cut short in the early hours of today by the very man she once called her husband.
Womba was killed together with her stepbrother, 42-year-old Wanna Samulozela, who was living with the couple.
According to Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the gruesome incident took place around 05:30 hours in Solwezi’s Low Density area and was reported to Solwezi Central Police Station at 09:21 hours by a relative, 45-year-old Kalumbu Agnes.
Police say the couple had separated just two days prior, on July 30, following ongoing marital disputes.
But today, Muyembi reportedly used a spare key to gain entry into the house, where he confronted the two victims before opening fire.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found all three deceased in the same room.
Womba had sustained a gunshot wound to the left ribs, her brother Wanna had been shot in the same area without an exit wound, and Muyembi had a self-inflicted shot to the neck using an AK-47 rifle, which lay clamped to his chest with the safety catch open.
The weapon, serial number 1674, was confirmed to have been drawn earlier that morning at 05:05 hours, after the officer claimed he was following up on a report in Mutanda.
However, instead of going on duty, he turned the government-issued firearm into an instrument of domestic horror.
The late Wanna Samulozela, a newly transferred doctor from Lusaka, had been staying at the house, likely as a support system in the wake of the couple’s strained relationship.
The three bodies were taken to Solwezi General Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations and will later be handed over to the families for burial.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of addressing domestic disputes through peaceful and lawful means,” Hamoonga stated.
“The Zambia Police Service deeply regrets the loss of life and extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 1, 2025
