Woman Dies After Alleged Stabbing by Husband

A 32-year-old man has been detained in connection with the alleged murder of his 23-year-old wife, Vena Phiri, in Lusaka’s Ng’ombe Compound.

Zambia Police Service spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi says the incident was reported at Ng’ombe Police Post under Chelstone Police Station at 21:25 hours on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Mr. Chilabi says preliminary investigations indicate that Ms. Phiri was allegedly stabbed in the chest with a knife during an altercation with her husband, identified as Innocent Mutanuka.

He says a neighbour was alerted by a commotion from the couple’s residence and, upon going outside, allegedly saw Ms. Phiri running towards her.

Mr. Chilabi says Ms. Phiri reportedly told the neighbour that her husband had stabbed her during the altercation.

He says the suspect fled the scene, while neighbours rushed Ms. Phiri to Ng’ombe Urban Clinic, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mr. Chilabi says police examined and processed the scene and conducted an initial examination of the body, during which a deep wound was observed on the chest.

He says police subsequently launched a manhunt for the suspect, who was taken to Ng’ombe Police Post by a relative at around 10:00 hours on Monday, September 28.

Mr. Chilabi says the motive for the alleged act has not yet been established.

He said the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.