Chipata Accountant Arrested for Murder of 25-Year-Old Woman

Police in Chipata have arrested a 38-year-old accountant, Edward Mwanamuchele, in connection with the brutal killing of 25-year-old Rhoda Munkombwe at his home in Kanjala, Chipata district.

The incident is believed to have occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, and was reported to police by the victim’s father, Terry Munkombwe, around 05:00 hours.

According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, preliminary investigations reveal that Mwanamuchele, who works for Horizon Company, attacked the victim with a metal bar, leaving her with a deep head wound, multiple leg injuries, and bruises across her body.

Police say the suspect had been living alone since August 5, after sending his wife away over a financial dispute. On August 28, he was reportedly seen entering his house with the victim. Later that night, landlord Moonga Ngobeka heard disturbing noises from the house. When confronted, the suspect claimed he had misplaced his keys.

Ngobeka used a spare key to gain entry and found the victim lying in a pool of blood near the door. She was rushed to Chipata Central Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

When the landlord returned, he allegedly found Mwanamuchele cleaning blood from the floor. Alarmed, he alerted police, who moved in quickly and apprehended the suspect as he attempted to flee.

Officers later discovered blood stains in several rooms of the house, indicating a violent struggle. The suspect is now in custody, assisting police with investigations, while the victim’s body has been deposited in the Chipata Central Hospital mortuary for postmortem.

Mweemba described the incident as one of the most disturbing acts of violence to shock Chipata in recent month