A LOVERS’ night out between a retired senior soldier and his 26-year-old slay queen girlfriend ended in a hail of bullets behind Crossroads Mall in Lusaka.
Police have confirmed that Abigail Kalyabanyama of Nyumba Yanga is behind bars after allegedly pumping two bullets into the back of the head of retired Brigadier General John Banda, 53, in a dramatic midnight confrontation last night.
“The report was made by Brigadier General David Kauseni (Retired) of Makeni area, on behalf of his brother, Brigadier General John Banda (Retired), aged 53, a resident of Chalala,” police assistant spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi stated.
The lovebirds had earlier cruised together to Palabana in the former army officer’s car, registration AB 1158 after he picked her up from her home around 17:00 hours.
But by the time they headed back to Lusaka, the romance had escalated into a heated argument.
When they reached Crossroads Mall around 23:30 hours, Brig Gen Banda parked the vehicle, insisting they settle their differences before moving on.
A brief altercation ensued, during which the retired officer allegedly retrieved his pistol from the car and fired a shot in the direction of his girlfriend, which missed her and hit the vehicle.
Abigail allegedly wrestled the firearm from the decorated ex-soldier and fired twice at the back of his head, dropping him to the ground.
Officers rushed to the scene to find the victim lying in a pool of blood beside his pistol, with spent cartridges scattered around.
He was then rushed to the University Teaching Hospital, where he remains in stable condition while his girlfriend Abigail has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and will appear in court soon.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 10, 2025
