A court in Zambia has sentenced two men to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambian Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde were convicted under the Witchcraft Act after being arrested in December with charms in their possession, including a live chameleon.
It is my considered view that the convicts were not only the enemy of the head of state but were also enemies of all Zambians, magistrate Fine Mayambu said in his ruling.
The case has been closely followed in Zambia, as this was the first time anyone was put on trial for attempting to use witchcraft against a president.
The prosecution alleged that Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP to bewitch Hichilema.
Despite their insistence that they were bona fide traditional healers, the court found Phiri and Candunde guilty on two counts under the Witchcraft Act.
Magistrate Mayambu noted that many people in Zambia, like in other African countries, believed in witchcraft, even though it was not scientifically proven.
In addition to the two-year sentence for professing witchcraft, the men received six additional months for possessing charms; however, the sentences will run concurrently.
The lawyer for the two men pleaded for leniency as they were first-time offenders and requested fines, but this was denied.
President Hichilema has previously stated that he does not believe in witchcraft and has not publicly commented on this case.
This case adds to conversations around witchcraft in Zambia, a subject often intertwined with cultural beliefs and societal fears.
