Zambian Accountant Arrested for Allegedly Killing Girlfriend in Matrimonial Home Weeks After Sacking His Wife

Suspect Edward Mwanamuchele and deceased Rhoda Munkombwe

Police in Chipata, Zambia, have arrested a 38-year-old accountant in connection with the brutal murder of 25-year-old Rhoda Munkombwe, who was reportedly discovered in a pool of blood inside his home.

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

According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the murder took place at plot number 5390B in Kanjala, Chipata district, where the suspect, identified as Edward Mwanamuchele, works as an accountant at Horizon Company.

Preliminary investigations suggest that Mwanamuchele attacked Rhoda with a metal bar, inflicting a deep head wound, multiple leg injuries, and bruises across her body.

“Mwanamuchele had been living alone after expelling his wife on August 5 this year, following a dispute over misused rent money. On August 28, around 19:00 hours, he was seen entering his home with a woman later identified as Rhoda,” Mweemba explained.

The suspect’s landlord, Moonga Ngobeka (33), later heard disturbing noises coming from the house around 23:30 hours. When he asked Mwanamuchele to open the door, the suspect claimed he had misplaced his keys.

Suspicious, Ngobeka used a spare key to unlock the door and was shocked to find Rhoda lying unconscious in a pool of blood near the entrance. He immediately called for an ambulance, but the victim was pronounced dead upon arrival at Chipata Central Hospital.

“When Ngobeka returned from the hospital, he found the suspect attempting to mop blood from the sitting room. Alarmed, he alerted police, who rushed to the scene and apprehended Mwanamuchele as he allegedly tried to flee,” Mweemba said.

Police officers found the house in disarray, with blood stains in the sitting room, bathroom, and bedroom.

Mweemba confirmed that the suspect is in custody, assisting with investigations. The body of the deceased has been deposited at Chipata Central Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

“Further details will be shared as investigations progress,” Mweemba added.