A court in Zambia has sentenced two men to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambian Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde were convicted under the Witchcraft Act after being arrested in December with charms in their possession, including a live chameleon.
It is my considered view that the convicts were not only the enemy of the head of state but were also enemies of all Zambians, magistrate Fine Mayambu stated in his ruling.
The case has garnered significant attention in Zambia, as this marks the first time anyone has faced trial for trying to use witchcraft against a president.
The prosecution alleged that Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP to bewitch Hichilema.
Despite claiming to be traditional healers, the court found them guilty on two counts under the Witchcraft Act.
Magistrate Mayambu explained that the two had acknowledged ownership of the charms, with Phiri demonstrating that the chameleon's tail could be used in a ritual to bring about death within five days.
Their lawyer, Agrippa Malando, sought leniency, requesting a fine instead of imprisonment. However, this request was denied.
The magistrate noted that many Zambians believe in witchcraft, reflecting cultural elements that have persisted despite modern skepticism.
In addition to their two-year sentence for professing witchcraft, they received another six months for possessing charms, although the sentences will run concurrently.
Hichilema has expressed disbelief in witchcraft but has yet to comment on this case.
The Witchcraft Act, originally enacted during colonial rule in 1914, has rarely been enforced, primarily serving to protect individuals from mob justice linked to witchcraft accusations.
The case has revived discussions around witchcraft amidst ongoing tensions related to the funeral arrangements of former President Edgar Lungu.
