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Zambia: Two Men Arrested in Alleged Witchcraft Plot Against President Hichilema

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LUSAKA, Zambia — Two men have been arrested in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, on accusations of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through witchcraft.

Police identified the suspects as Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, who are alleged to have been hired for the purpose by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of a controversial Member of Parliament.

“Their purported mission was to use charms to harm the President,” read a police statement released Friday.

The men were apprehended with “assorted charms,” including a live chameleon, which authorities claim were intended for their “mission.”

Police said the suspects confessed they had been promised over 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their efforts.

Candunde and Phiri now face charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, which prohibits the possession of charms, professing knowledge of witchcraft, and cruelty to animals.

Links to a Fugitive MP

Police allege that Nelson Banda, the younger brother of Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, orchestrated the plan. Nelson Banda is reportedly on the run.

His elder brother, Emmanuel Banda, is no stranger to controversy. The independent MP, formerly associated with the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, has faced multiple legal issues.

Emmanuel Banda, who has not been seen publicly since last month, was reportedly arrested in Zimbabwe over robbery charges, which he denies.

He also allegedly escaped custody in August while awaiting a court appearance in Zambia.

The PF, led by former President Edgar Lungu, has accused the Hichilema administration of using charges against Banda for political purposes, a claim the government denies.

Witchcraft in Zambian Society

Belief in witchcraft remains widespread in Zambia, where such practices are both feared and prosecuted under the law.

Cases involving alleged witchdoctors often draw significant public attention.

Police have not yet set a court date for Candunde and Phiri, but they remain in custody. The suspects have not publicly commented on the charges.

As the investigation continues, the alleged plot underscores the intersection of political intrigue and deeply held cultural beliefs in the southern African nation.

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