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.
Magistrate Fine Mayambu stated, 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. This case has drawn significant attention as it marks the first time individuals were prosecuted for using witchcraft against a president.
The prosecution claimed that Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP to bewitch Hichilema, with the court noting that the men accepted ownership of the charms. Phiri demonstrated that the chameleon's tail, when used in a ritual, would lead to death within five days. The court rejected pleas for leniency, stressing that witchcraft beliefs are prevalent in Zambia despite lacking scientific backing.
The sentencing is concurrent for the two counts of "professing" witchcraft and possession of charms, meaning they will serve two years effective from their December 2024 arrest. Hichilema, who has maintained disbelief in witchcraft, has not yet commented on the case.
Historically, the Witchcraft Act in Zambia was enacted during colonial rule in 1914 and rarely enforced, but it has played a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals accused of witchcraft in local communities. The case adds to the ongoing complexities surrounding beliefs in witchcraft in contemporary Zambian society.
Magistrate Fine Mayambu stated, 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. This case has drawn significant attention as it marks the first time individuals were prosecuted for using witchcraft against a president.
The prosecution claimed that Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP to bewitch Hichilema, with the court noting that the men accepted ownership of the charms. Phiri demonstrated that the chameleon's tail, when used in a ritual, would lead to death within five days. The court rejected pleas for leniency, stressing that witchcraft beliefs are prevalent in Zambia despite lacking scientific backing.
The sentencing is concurrent for the two counts of "professing" witchcraft and possession of charms, meaning they will serve two years effective from their December 2024 arrest. Hichilema, who has maintained disbelief in witchcraft, has not yet commented on the case.
Historically, the Witchcraft Act in Zambia was enacted during colonial rule in 1914 and rarely enforced, but it has played a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals accused of witchcraft in local communities. The case adds to the ongoing complexities surrounding beliefs in witchcraft in contemporary Zambian society.
