A Zambian court has sentenced two men — Leonard Phiri, a Zambian national, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, from Mozambique — to two years in prison each for allegedly using witchcraft, locally known as juju, in an attempt to assassinate President Hakainde Hichilema.
The duo were convicted under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act after authorities arrested them in December 2025 with charms and a live chameleon, which they allegedly intended to use in their plot.
The case, one of the most unusual in Zambia’s history, has drawn widespread attention as it marks the first time individuals have been tried for allegedly using witchcraft against a sitting president.
How the Court Reached Its Verdict
In his judgment, Magistrate Fine Mayambu described the convicted men as “not only enemies of the head of state but also enemies of all Zambians.”
Prosecutors revealed that a fugitive former member of the Zambian Parliament had hired the two men to bewitch President Hichilema. While the defendants claimed to be traditional healers, the court found them guilty of two counts under the Witchcraft Act.
Defense counsel pleaded for leniency, arguing that the men were first-time offenders and should be fined instead of imprisoned. However, the court rejected the plea and imposed a two-year prison term for each of them.
Public Reactions Trail Verdict
The case has stirred intense public debate and mixed reactions, especially after TRT Afrika shared a video report about the judgment.
Below are some notable reactions from citizens:
Mufilika commented with a parable:
“An antelope was running rapidly. An elephant asked, ‘Why are you running like that?’ The antelope replied, ‘The authorities are arresting all the goats in the village.’ The elephant said, ‘But you are not a goat!’ The antelope responded, ‘With our justice system, it will take me 20 years to prove that I’m not a goat.’ Then the elephant started running too.”
Chellah wrote:
“So, for the president, witchcraft is real, but for us commoners, they say it doesn’t exist. Clearly, ‘no one is above the law’ doesn’t apply here.”
Ben Patrick commented:
“As a Zambian, I acknowledge the presence of witchcraft used for harm. But I’m still wondering — how do you even prove that in court?”
Rso added:
“Two men threatening one person with ‘magic’ go to prison, while others destroy water sources for millions and walk free.”
Mulenga Bwalya humorously remarked:
“I’m waiting for them to come and get my grandma; she’s also a witch. Please, our family has suffered enough.”
Context: African Leaders and Democratic Change
This incident comes amid ongoing conversations about democracy in Africa. In a related report, several African presidents have been defeated during re-election yet peacefully handed over power — a positive sign that many African nations are embracing democratic transitions without military interference, even amid rising political tensions.
