LUSAKA, Dec 20 – Two men have been arrested in Zambia for allegedly attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema. Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri were detained in Lusaka after police said they were hired to use witchcraft to harm the president.
The police statement revealed that the men were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of opposition MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda. Banda, who faces robbery charges in Zimbabwe, has not been seen in public recently. He is also wanted for escaping custody earlier this year while awaiting trial.
The police said Candunde and Phiri were found with various charms, including a live chameleon, and were promised a payment of over 2 million Zambian kwacha (roughly $73,000) for their efforts.
The suspects have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act with possession of charms, practicing witchcraft, and cruelty to wild animals. They are currently in custody and will soon appear in court, although no date for the hearing has been set.
