Suspected 'witchdoctors' are accused of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema, revealing the complex intersection of politics and beliefs in Zambia.
**Zambian Police Apprehend Alleged 'Witchdoctors' in Plot Against President Hichilema**
**Zambian Police Apprehend Alleged 'Witchdoctors' in Plot Against President Hichilema**
Two men face charges in Zambia for alleged attempts to bewitch the president amid rising fears of witchcraft.
Two individuals, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, have been arrested by law enforcement in Zambia for their alleged involvement as "witchdoctors" commissioned to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema. The arrests, made in the capital city of Lusaka, follow a police statement which indicated the men had a sinister agenda involving the use of charms to potentially harm the president.
The apprehension of the pair is reportedly linked to Nelson Banda, the younger sibling of MP Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, who has been in the spotlight due to his recent arrest in Zimbabwe over robbery charges, which he staunchly denies. Amid these developments, Banda has been notably absent from the public eye and is also facing accusations of having fled custody while awaiting trial earlier this year.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), once led by former President Edgar Lungu, has alleged that these charges against Banda are politically motivated, tying back to the political climate since Hichilema's election in 2021. Notably, Emmanuel Banda transitioned to being an independent MP following his past alignment with Lungu.
As per the police’s findings, Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri have been charged under Zambia's Witchcraft Act, facing counts such as "possession of charms," "professing knowledge of witchcraft," and "cruelty to wild animals." Their stash reportedly included a live chameleon among other items categorized as "assorted charms." The duo indicated to authorities that they were promised over 2 million Zambian kwacha (approximately $73,000) for their alleged "mission."
Currently detained, the suspects are expected to appear in court shortly, although a specific date for the hearing has yet to be announced. As of now, Candunde and Phiri have not made any public statements regarding the serious accusations levied against them.
The apprehension of the pair is reportedly linked to Nelson Banda, the younger sibling of MP Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, who has been in the spotlight due to his recent arrest in Zimbabwe over robbery charges, which he staunchly denies. Amid these developments, Banda has been notably absent from the public eye and is also facing accusations of having fled custody while awaiting trial earlier this year.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), once led by former President Edgar Lungu, has alleged that these charges against Banda are politically motivated, tying back to the political climate since Hichilema's election in 2021. Notably, Emmanuel Banda transitioned to being an independent MP following his past alignment with Lungu.
As per the police’s findings, Mr. Candunde and Mr. Phiri have been charged under Zambia's Witchcraft Act, facing counts such as "possession of charms," "professing knowledge of witchcraft," and "cruelty to wild animals." Their stash reportedly included a live chameleon among other items categorized as "assorted charms." The duo indicated to authorities that they were promised over 2 million Zambian kwacha (approximately $73,000) for their alleged "mission."
Currently detained, the suspects are expected to appear in court shortly, although a specific date for the hearing has yet to be announced. As of now, Candunde and Phiri have not made any public statements regarding the serious accusations levied against them.
