Zambian authorities have arrested two men accused of attempting to use witchcraft to harm President Hakainde Hichilema.
The suspects, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, were detained in Lusaka after being found with a live chameleon and various charms, which police believe were part of a plot to bewitch the president.
According to police reports, the men were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of independent MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, to carry out the alleged scheme.
Nelson, who is currently on the run, reportedly promised the suspects over 2 million Zambian kwacha (approximately $73,000 or £58,000) for their actions.
Emmanuel Banda, a former member of the Patriotic Front (PF) party, has a history of legal issues, including charges of robbery in Zimbabwe and accusations of escaping custody.
The PF has often claimed that these charges are politically motivated.
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The suspects are facing charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, which includes offenses such as “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
Police confirmed that the men were found with the live chameleon, which is often associated with traditional witchcraft practices.
The two men remain in custody, with an upcoming court appearance expected, though no specific date has been set for their trial.
The incident has raised eyebrows in Zambia, where witchcraft accusations are sometimes linked to political conflicts and rivalries.