Alleged Witchdoctors Arrested for Plot to Bewitch Zambian President

In Zambia, two men have been arrested on charges of attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft. The suspects, linked to a politically charged context and the brother of a controversial MP, will face legal proceedings soon.

In a surprising incident that underscores the cultural beliefs within Zambia, two men have been arrested under allegations of attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft. The accused, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, were apprehended in Lusaka, the capital city, by local police who revealed that the pair was hired to execute a plan involving harmful charms against the president.

The police report identified that the suspects, now in custody, were allegedly contracted by Nelson Banda, the younger sibling of Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, a Member of Parliament currently embroiled in legal issues across the border in Zimbabwe. The elder Banda has been detained on robbery charges that he staunchly denies, further complicating the situation against a backdrop of political rivalry and accusations of witchcraft.

Many Zambians live with the specter of witchcraft, often associating it with fear and superstition. In this context, the police reported that the suspects were found in possession of various "assorted charms", including a live chameleon. According to the police statement, they claimed they had been promised a payment of over 2 million Zambian kwacha (approximately $73,000) for their dangerous mission.

Candunde and Phiri have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act for “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.” Despite being detained and facing serious charges, they have yet to publicly comment on the allegations.

As the broader political narrative unfolds, the police have stated that the younger Banda remains at large, complicating the legal situation surrounding these arrests. With tensions rising in the Zambian political landscape following the 2021 election that saw Hichilema assume the presidency from former leader Edgar Lungu, the incident highlights the intersection of cultural beliefs and political strife in the region.