Court Jails Two Witch Doctors Over UGX 280M Plot to Bewitch President

A court in Zambia has sentenced two witch doctors to prison for trying to use witchcraft against President Hakainde Hichilema.

The two men, 43-year-old Leonard Phiri from Zambia and 42-year-old Jasten Mabulesse Candunde from Mozambique, were found guilty of possessing charms and practicing witchcraft. Among the items discovered was a live chameleon, which investigators said was part of their rituals.

According to court findings, the pair had been hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of former independent Member of Parliament Emmanuel Banda. The witch doctors admitted that they had been promised 2 million Zambian Kwacha, more than 80,000 US dollars, once the mission was carried out.

In his ruling, Lusaka Magistrate Fine Mayambu said the attempt to harm President Hichilema could have led to political unrest, economic problems, and hardship for the Zambian people. He noted that even though the men were first-time offenders, their intention to cause death meant they deserved a custodial sentence with hard labor.

The court sentenced each man to two years for possessing charms and six months for practicing witchcraft. The sentences, which start from the day of their arrest on December 20, 2024, will run at the same time.