A court in Zambia has sentenced two men to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambian Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde were convicted under the Witchcraft Act after being arrested in December with charms in their possession, including a live chameleon.
Magistrate Fine Mayambu stated, It is my considered view that the convicts were not only the enemy of the head of state but were also enemies of all Zambians. This case has garnered significant attention as it marks the first trial of its kind for attempting to use witchcraft against a president.
The prosecution alleged that Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP to bewitch Hichilema. Despite claiming to be traditional healers, they were found guilty on two counts under the Witchcraft Act. The court revealed evidence showing that the chameleon's tail, when pricked and used in a ritual, would allegedly cause death within five days.
The men's lawyer, Agrippa Malando, requested leniency, arguing for fines instead of prison sentences, but the court's decision remained firm. Magistrate Mayambu noted that, while witchcraft is often viewed skeptically, there are still many in Zambia who believe in its powers.
Hakainde Hichilema has previously stated he does not believe in witchcraft and has not commented specifically on this case. Lawyer Dickson Jere remarked that the Witchcraft Act was instituted during colonial times to protect individuals, especially the elderly women facing accusations of witchcraft.
The topic of witchcraft has also intertwined with ongoing political discussions in Zambia, including disputes surrounding the burial of former President Edgar Lungu, whose death sparked allegations of occult reasons in burial arrangements.
