Two witch doctors face the law over plot against Zambian president
Two men accused of trying to use witchcraft to harm Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema are facing the law.
Leonard Phiri, a 43-year-old Zambian, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a 42-year-old Mozambican, were arrested in December with various charms, including a live chameleon. Authorities say they are practicing witch doctors.
Investigators say the men were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of former independent lawmaker Emmanuel Banda who allegedly paid them to harm the president using traditional charms and spells.
Local reports indicate that during a court session in Lusaka, four witnesses testified that the men had charms in a rented house.
Immigration officer George Mwale said Candunde admitted that Banda had hired them.
“He said he was recruited through Banda’s brother to use witchcraft against the president,” Mwale told the court.
Police say they found a live chameleon in a sealed bottle, 14 empty bottles with traditional medicine, an animal tail, and unknown powdered substances. Phiri admitted that some of the items belonged to him but denied using them for witchcraft. The suspects insisted they had legal documents allowing them to possess the items.
Authorities initially said the men were promised 2 million Zambian kwacha ($7,000) for the job, but the court later heard the real offer was 43 million kwacha.
Phiri and Candunde face charges of claiming to have knowledge of witchcraft, possessing charms, and cruelty to wild animals. The trial will continue on February 26.
