Police Arrest Two Men With Live Chameleon and Charms Plotting to Bewitch Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema
Zambian police have arrested two men accused of attempting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema.
The suspects, identified as Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, were apprehended in Lusaka with various charms, including a live chameleon.
Arrests Linked to Political Intrigue
The police allege that the men were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of controversial independent MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda.
According to BBC News, Nelson, who is currently on the run, is said to have promised the pair over 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) to carry out the supposed plot.
Emmanuel Banda, previously associated with the Patriotic Front (PF) party, has faced his own legal battles, including charges of robbery in Zimbabwe and allegations of escaping custody. The opposition PF party has frequently claimed that such charges are politically motivated.
The Witchcraft Allegations
According to the police, the two suspects are being charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act for “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
According to the police statement, the suspects were found with assorted charms and a live chameleon, often associated with traditional practices. The pair remains in custody and is expected to appear in court soon, although no exact date has been provided.
Public Reactions to the Arrests
The incident has sparked a buzz on social media, with Zambians expressing outrage and calling the development embarrassing. Many questioned when the police began arresting people for witchcraft and wondered how authorities would prove such a case in court.
Here are some of the reactions;
@MosesJnrPhiri;
When did the Zambia Police start arresting wizards? And how do they hope to prove their case of spiritual assassination and which piece of legislation deals with such matters?
@VictoriaCabralx;
This is so embarrassing and clearly a distraction from real issues. The country barely has electricity or Internet and this is what we are wasting resources on. Ridiculous
@ukusefya;
We are not even denying the allegations anymore..
@buoyant4;
Honestly this is so embarrassing to say the least .. we should be concerned with critical issues that affect the masses like unemployment, hunger , and the economy..This is just going too too low
@mbulawasabizm;
I sure pray this case wont see a day in court. This will be an embarrassment. I even wonder has anyone ever been convicted of practising witchcraft
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The post Police Arrest Two Men With Live Chameleon and Charms Plotting to Bewitch Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema appeared first on iHarare News.
