By Kennedy Nalyanya
LUSAKA – A Zambian court has sentenced two men to two years in prison with hard labor after they were found guilty of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through what authorities described as "witchcraft." The verdict was delivered in a Lusaka magistrate's court on Monday.
Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican national, and Leonard Phiri, a Zambian village chief, were apprehended in December. Police reported that the men were in possession of various items, including a live chameleon, which were presented as evidence of their alleged plan to harm the president. The charges against them included "professing knowledge of witchcraft" and "possession of charms."
During the trial, Magistrate Fine Mayambu stated, "The motive of the crime was to kill the head of state." He emphasized the seriousness of the offense, adding that the convicts were considered "enemies of the head of state but all Zambians." The magistrate sentenced them to 24 months imprisonment, with the term to be served from the date of their arrest.
The prosecution claimed that the men had been hired by the brother of opposition Member of Parliament Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda. Banda is currently facing his own legal issues, including charges of robbery, attempted murder, and escaping from lawful custody.
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