Zambia: Court jails two men for attempting to bewitch president

Zambia flag

A court in Zambia has sentenced two men to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema.

The BBC reports that Leonard Phiri, a Zambian, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican, were convicted under the country’s Witchcraft Act after being arrested in December 2024.The police said they were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are alleged to be practising witchdoctors.

In his ruling, Fine Mayambu, the presiding judge, said the evidence showed the men intended to use the charms against the president.

“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,” Mayambu ruled.

The case, closely followed by the public, marked the first time anyone was put on trial in Zambia for attempting to use witchcraft against a sitting president. Thecable