Summary
A court in Zambia sentenced two men to two years in prison for trying to use witchcraft to harm President Hakainde Hichilema. This case is the first in Zambia involving an attempt to use witchcraft against a president. The court stated the men had charms, including a live chameleon, which they claimed could cause death.
Key Facts
- Two men, Leonard Phiri from Zambia and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde from Mozambique, were sentenced to two years in Zambia for attempting witchcraft against the president.
- They were charged under Zambia's Witchcraft Act and convicted for possessing charms like a live chameleon.
- The court heard they claimed the chameleon's tail could be used ritually to cause death.
- The men were also given an additional six-month sentence for possessing the charms, but their total prison time will be two years since sentences run concurrently.
- The law originated during colonial times and is rarely used but aims to prevent harm and fear linked to claims of witchcraft.
- President Hichilema has publicly stated that he does not believe in witchcraft.
- The prosecution claimed a former MP hired the men to carry out the act.
- The men requested fines instead of prison as they were first-time offenders, but the request was denied.
