In a shocking incident in Zambia, police have arrested two individuals accused of attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema. This case brings to light the role of witchcraft beliefs in Zambian society and the intertwined nature of politics and traditional practices.
Arrests Made in Zambia Over Alleged Witchcraft Plot Against President Hakainde Hichilema
Arrests Made in Zambia Over Alleged Witchcraft Plot Against President Hakainde Hichilema
Two men have been apprehended in Zambia for allegedly attempting to bewitch the president, raising questions about the intersection of politics and traditional beliefs.
In Zambia, the complexities of traditional beliefs and modern political dynamics have come to the forefront with the recent arrest of two alleged "witchdoctors." Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri were detained in Lusaka after being accused of trying to use charms to harm President Hakainde Hichilema. The police revealed that the suspects were allegedly hired by Nelson Banda, who is the younger brother of MP Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda. The MP, previously linked to former President Edgar Lungu, is currently facing robbery charges in Zimbabwe and has reportedly evaded custody previously.
Zambia has a cultural backdrop where beliefs in witchcraft are prevalent, and the police echoed this reality in their statements regarding the suspects' supposed intentions. The charges against Candunde and Phiri include "possession of charms," "professing knowledge of witchcraft," and "cruelty to wild animals" due to their possession of a live chameleon among assorted charms when arrested. They claim to have been promised a substantial sum of money for their efforts, illustrating how financial incentives can play a role in such allegations.
Moreover, the political implications of these events cannot be ignored. The opposition Patriotic Front party, previously led by Lungu, has suggested that the ongoing legal troubles faced by Emmanuel Banda and his brother may be rooted in political machinations. Banda has remained out of the public eye since his legal troubles began, sparking further intrigue into the personal and political motives behind these arrests. As the suspects await trial, this incident highlights the intersections of belief, politics, and the continuing influence of traditional practices in contemporary Zambian society.
