A Zambian court imposed two-year prison sentences on Leonard Phiri and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde for attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema. Magistrate Fine Mayambu convicted the men under the 1914 Witchcraft Act after police arrested them in December with ritual charms and a live chameleon. Prosecutors alleged a fugitive former MP hired the defendants to harm the president through supernatural means. The case marked the first prosecution for witchcraft against a Zambian head of state.
Phiri demonstrated how the chameleon's tail would allegedly cause death within five days when used in rituals. Both men claimed they worked as legitimate traditional healers, but the court rejected their defense. Mayambu explained that the law protects citizens from those who falsely claim supernatural powers. The defendants received additional six-month sentences for possession of a charm, but will serve concurrent terms. President Hichilema has previously stated he does not believe in witchcraft practices.
Phiri demonstrated how the chameleon's tail would allegedly cause death within five days when used in rituals. Both men claimed they worked as legitimate traditional healers, but the court rejected their defense. Mayambu explained that the law protects citizens from those who falsely claim supernatural powers. The defendants received additional six-month sentences for possession of a charm, but will serve concurrent terms. President Hichilema has previously stated he does not believe in witchcraft practices.
