Lusaka, August 10, 2025 — Police in Lusaka have arrested and charged 26-year-old Abigail Kalyabanyama of Nyumba Yanga in connection with the attempted murder of Brigadier General John Banda (Retired), 53, of Chalala.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of July 26, 2025, around 23:40 hours, behind Crossroads Mall in Kabulonga. Brigadier General Banda was shot twice in the back of the head, sustaining serious injuries, but remains in a stable condition at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Police investigations reveal that earlier that day, around 17:00 hours, Brigadier General Banda drove to Nyumba Yanga to pick up Kalyabanyama, described as his female companion. The two travelled to Palabana and, later in the evening, headed back towards Lusaka.
While on the way to drop her home, a disagreement arose between them. Upon reaching Crossroads Mall, the Brigadier General parked his vehicle and refused to continue driving until the matter was resolved.
A brief altercation reportedly followed outside the vehicle. During this confrontation, Brigadier General Banda retrieved his firearm from the car and fired at Kalyabanyama, missing her and hitting the vehicle.
Kalyabanyama is then alleged to have grabbed the firearm and shot the Brigadier General twice in the back of the head, causing him to collapse.
Police officers who rushed to the scene found both the victim and the suspect present. The Brigadier General was found lying in a pool of blood next to a loaded pistol, with empty cartridges scattered nearby. He was rushed to UTH for urgent medical care.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon for the offence of attempted murder, contrary to Section 215(b) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
