Suspected ‘witchdoctors’ arrested over attempt to ‘bewitch’ Zambia’s president
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Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema speaks during the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit at the Carrinho food processing factory near Lobito, Angola, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Two men were arrested in Zambia last week, accused of attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft. The police identified the suspects as Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, who were reportedly hired to carry out the mission in Lusaka, the country’s capital.
According to a police statement released on Friday, Candunde and Phiri were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda. The men are said to have been tasked with using charms to harm President Hichilema. This shocking incident comes at a time when Zambia is dealing with a complex political situation, as the country’s history of belief in witchcraft continues to play a significant role in both everyday life and political affairs.
Witchcraft is a deeply ingrained part of Zambian culture, and many people in the country believe in its power. The police statement outlined the charges against Candunde and Phiri, which include “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.” In addition to the charms found in their possession, the two men were carrying a live chameleon, which is often used in local beliefs to enhance magical or harmful powers. The suspects were allegedly promised a significant reward of more than 2 million Zambian kwacha (around $73,000 or £58,000) for completing their dangerous task.
The political backdrop to the case is complex. The alleged witchcraft plot is believed to be linked to a larger dispute involving Emmanuel Banda, who has been a vocal figure in Zambian politics. Banda, an independent MP since 2021, was previously aligned with former President Edgar Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) party. Following Hichilema’s victory in the 2021 election, which ended Lungu’s presidency, Banda has been accused of political opposition and is reportedly in hiding after being arrested last month in neighboring Zimbabwe over robbery charges. Banda denies the robbery charges and has also been accused of escaping from custody earlier this year while awaiting a court appearance.
Banda’s association with Lungu’s former administration has drawn the attention of opposition groups, including the PF party, who claim that the charges against him are politically motivated. The arrest of Candunde and Phiri, as well as the alleged plot to bewitch the president, has raised further questions about the political intrigue surrounding Zambia’s leadership and the opposition’s resistance to Hichilema’s government. Meanwhile, Nelson Banda, the brother accused of hiring the witchdoctors, is reportedly on the run and remains a fugitive.
The arrest of the two men has sparked considerable public interest. Witchcraft-related incidents often generate widespread attention in Zambia, where many people still adhere to traditional beliefs and practices. The case also highlights the tensions in the country between the ruling party and opposition factions, with some questioning whether there is a connection between political rivalry and the alleged witchcraft attempt.
The suspects, Candunde and Phiri, are currently in police custody and will soon appear in court, although the police have not yet set an exact date for their hearing. As of now, neither of the accused men has publicly commented on the allegations, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in Zambia’s legal system. The Zambian public is awaiting further updates as the political and supernatural elements of the case continue to make headlines across the nation.
This incident reflects not only the ongoing political tensions in Zambia but also the continued prominence of witchcraft in the country’s cultural and social landscape. As Zambia moves forward in its current political climate, this case will likely remain a significant point of discussion, especially as more details emerge about the individuals involved and the motivations behind the bizarre attempt to harm the president.
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