Authorities in Zambia have apprehended two men accused of being “witchdoctors” tasked with targeting the country’s president.
Police in Lusaka named the suspects Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, alleging they were involved in a plot to harm President Hakainde Hichilema using charms.
“Their purported mission was to use charms to harm” President Hakainde Hichilema, said the police statement, released on Friday.
Belief in witchcraft remains deeply rooted in many parts of Zambia, where it often sparks fear and suspicion.
Investigators claim the two men were allegedly hired by Nelson Banda, a younger sibling of Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, a member of parliament.
Reports suggest the MP, who has been out of public view for weeks, was arrested last month in Zimbabwe on robbery charges, which he denies.
The MP is also accused of fleeing custody in August while awaiting a court appearance in Zambia, adding to the controversies surrounding him.
The opposition Patriotic Front (PF), once led by former President Edgar Lungu, has suggested these allegations are politically motivated.
Banda, elected as an independent MP in 2021, was previously linked to Lungu, who lost his bid for re-election to President Hichilema the same year.
Police confirmed Nelson Banda remains at large and is being sought in connection with the case.
Candunde and Phiri face charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, including “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
Officers reportedly seized a collection of “assorted charms,” including a live chameleon, during the arrest.
The suspects allegedly claimed they were offered over 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their efforts, according to the police.
Currently held in custody, the pair is expected to appear in court soon. However, no date has been announced, and they have not yet made any public statements regarding the accusations.
