In a shocking turn of events that reads like a scene from an ancient tale, a Zambian court has handed down a two-year prison sentence to two men accused of attempting to assassinate President Hakainde Hichilema through the dark arts of witchcraft. This highly unusual conviction, a first against a sitting head of state, has sent ripples across the nation and highlighted the lingering influence of traditional beliefs in modern Africa. The case brings to the forefront questions about law, tradition, and the power of belief.
- Two men, one Zambian and one Mozambican, have been imprisoned for attempting to kill President Hichilema using witchcraft.
- The conviction is a rare instance under Zambia’s colonial-era Witchcraft Act.
- The men were found in possession of charms and allegedly admitted to practicing witchcraft rituals.
- The court emphasized that belief in witchcraft is widespread in Zambia, regardless of scientific proof.
- The case touches upon the ongoing debate about tradition versus modernity in African societies.
A Rare Legal Battle: The Witchcraft Act in Focus
Magistrate Fine Mayambu delivered the verdict in Lusaka, sentencing Leonard Phiri (Zambian) and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde (Mozambican) under the seldom-used Witchcraft Act. This law, originally enacted in 1914 during the colonial era, was designed to protect communities from the fear and social disruption caused by individuals claiming supernatural powers. The act aims to address situations where people are accused of causing harm through sorcery, a practice deeply ingrained in the folklore and beliefs of many African cultures.
The Allegations: Charms and Chameleons
The drama unfolded when Phiri and Candunde were apprehended in December 2024. Authorities discovered them in possession of various charms, including a rather unsettling live chameleon. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting the men had been hired by a fugitive former member of parliament to bewitch the President. While the accused maintained their status as traditional healers, the court found their demonstrations and admissions compelling evidence of witchcraft practices. According to court proceedings, Phiri demonstrated a ritual involving a chameleon, claiming that pricking its tail would lead to death within five days. This chilling detail formed a crucial part of the prosecution’s case.
Dual Convictions and Sentencing
The two men were found guilty on two counts: professing witchcraft and possessing charms. Although the possession of charms carries a six-month sentence, the court ordered that both punishments would run concurrently. This means the men will serve a total of two years in prison, calculated from the date of their arrest. Their lawyer made a plea for leniency, highlighting their status as first-time offenders and suggesting a fine as a more appropriate penalty. However, the magistrate dismissed this plea, emphasizing the seriousness of the perceived threat to the nation’s leader and, by extension, its citizens.
Witchcraft Beliefs: Tradition Meets Modernity
Magistrate Mayambu astutely pointed out that while the scientific validity of witchcraft remains unproven, the belief in its existence and power is widespread across Zambia and the African continent. This sentiment resonates deeply within Zambian society, where traditional beliefs often coexist with modern advancements. The case serves as a potent reminder of how deeply rooted these beliefs are, even in the face of technological progress and formal legal systems.
Why is this Law Still on the Books?
Legal experts, such as Dickson Jere, explain that while prosecutions under the Witchcraft Act are rare today, the law historically played a role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly women, from mob justice fueled by accusations of sorcery. It provided a framework, however flawed, to address societal fears and perceived supernatural harm.
Interestingly, President Hichilema himself has publicly dismissed beliefs in witchcraft. Despite his stance, he has not personally commented on this specific case. The ruling arrives at a time when discussions around witchcraft, superstition, and even alleged occult motives have surfaced in Zambia’s political landscape, such as the prolonged burial dispute over former President Edgar Lungu, which the government has actively denied any supernatural involvement in.
The Broader Impact: Tradition, Law, and Governance
This conviction is more than just a legal judgment; it’s a cultural flashpoint. It sparks a national conversation about the delicate balance between cherished traditions, the evolution of law, and the complexities of governance in contemporary Africa. As Zambia navigates its path forward, cases like these underscore the enduring power of cultural narratives and their intersection with the legal and political spheres.
The popular imagination in Zambia continues to be captivated by witchcraft, making cases like this a catalyst for heated national debates. It forces a reflection on how a nation reconciles its past with its present and future.
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