Two men accused of attempting to cast spells on Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema have been arrested in the nation’s capital, Lusaka.
The suspects, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, were reportedly hired to use witchcraft to harm the president in a bizarre plot that has sent shockwaves through the southern African country.
Charms and a Chameleon
Police revealed that the duo was found in possession of an assortment of “charms,” including a live chameleon, which they intended to use in their alleged mission. The pair claimed they were promised a staggering 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their work.
Their arrest follows accusations that Nelson Banda, the younger brother of controversial MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, had orchestrated the plan. Nelson Banda is reportedly on the run.
A Fugitive MP and Political Drama
Emmanuel Banda, who is no stranger to controversy, has been missing from the public eye since his reported arrest in Zimbabwe last month on robbery charges—allegations he denies. The MP, a former ally of ex-President Edgar Lungu, has also been accused of escaping custody in August while awaiting trial in Zambia.
Banda’s former party, the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), has labelled the charges against him politically motivated, further fueling speculation over the current government’s motives.
Charged Under Witchcraft Laws
Candunde and Phiri have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, facing allegations of “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.” The law is a relic of the colonial era, but belief in witchcraft remains deeply rooted in Zambian culture.
The men remain in custody, and a court date is yet to be set. Neither suspect has commented publicly on the charges.
A Nation Divided
This bizarre case has sparked debate in Zambia, where fear of witchcraft continues to hold sway over many communities. Some see the arrests as a necessary step to protect the nation’s leader, while others dismiss the allegations as part of a politically charged narrative.
As the suspects await their day in court, the spotlight remains on the fugitive MP and his alleged connection to the plot—a scandal that highlights the intersection of politics, superstition, and law in modern Zambia.
