The Zambian police have arrested two people for allegedly plotting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft.
In a statement on Friday, December 19, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, and Leonard Phiri, 43, were hired by one Nelson Banda, the younger brother of MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda.
“The suspects were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are alleged to be practicing witchdoctors,” Hammonga said, adding that their purported mission “was to use charms to harm the Head of State, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema.”
Jay Banda escaped from police custody in August 2024 while he was facing charges of aggravated robbery, which he denies. He was reportedly re-arrested in November 2024 in the neighbouring Zimbabwe. He has not been seen in public ever since.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, led by former President Edgar Lungu, insist that the charges against the lawmaker are politically-instigated.
Meanwhile, Candunde and Phiri have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, which provides for penalties for the practice of witchcraft; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected therewith.
The details of the charges against the duo is being found in “possession of charms”, “professing knowledge of witchcraft” and “cruelty to wild animals”.
According to Hamoonga, the suspects told police that had agreed to receive a full payment of $73,000 for the mission.
