The Zambian police have arrested two men, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, for allegedly attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft. The duo was charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, which prohibits the possession of charms, professing knowledge of witchcraft, and cruelty to wild animals.
According to the police, the two men were found in possession of various charms, including a live chameleon, which was believed to be used in their alleged attempt to harm the president. The police claimed that the suspects were hired by Nelson Banda, the brother of an opposition Member of Parliament, to carry out the alleged plot.
Human rights activist Leo Igwe, founder of Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfaW), has condemned the arrest, calling it a sign of the Zambian government losing its focus .Igwe argued that the government should focus on addressing real issues affecting the country instead of criminalizing unfounded suspicions. He also emphasized that witchcraft accusations have no place in modern politics, as there is no evidence to support these beliefs and practices.
Igwe questioned the police’s actions, asking how they knew the two individuals were “witchdoctors” and what evidence they had to support their claims. He also pointed out that the Witchcraft Act criminalizes naming or imputing witchcraft, and that the police may be breaking the law by accusing the two men of being witches.
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches has called for an end to “this state-sponsored witch-hunt” and emphasized that there is no evidence of harm through witchcraft or charms.
