In a startling incident that underscores the intersection of superstition and politics in Zambia, two men have been arrested for allegedly plotting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema.
Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri were apprehended by police in Lusaka amid accusations that they were engaged as “w!tchdoctors” with the sinister objective of using mystical charms to harm the president.
The police report, released on Friday, reveals the extent to which belief in w!tchcraft permeates Zambian society, where many residents harbor apprehensions about the unseen powers that they believe could cause misfortune or illness.
The narrative surrounding the arrests becomes even more complex with connections to political figures, particularly Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, an MP with ties to former President Edgar Lungu.
Banda’s younger brother, Nelson, is alleged to have hired the two men for this dark endeavor.
The unfolding drama grows even murkier considering Banda’s troubled legal situation; he remains in hiding after reportedly being arrested in Zimbabwe for robbery, a charge he denies.
Adding another layer, he has a history of evading law enforcement, having purportedly escaped custody back in August. Critics, particularly from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), contend that the charges against Banda and the subsequent witchcraft allegations are merely tools of political sabotage orchestrated by the current ruling party.
The two suspects now face serious charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, including “possession of charms”, “professing knowledge of witchcraft”, and “cruelty to wild animals.”
The police have highlighted their discovery of various charms in the suspects’ possession, notably a live chameleon, which is often associated with mystical practices in local traditions.
The police statement indicated that Candunde and Phiri were lured into this dangerous undertaking with the promise of over 2 million Zambian kwacha (approximately $73,000), underscoring the lucrative yet perilous allure of the witchcraft trade in the region.
Zambian law, in particular, has strict prohibitions against practices that are deemed harmful or exploitative, placing these individuals in a precarious legal situation.
As Candunde and Phiri await their court appearance, this incident raises critical questions about the role of superstition in political machinations and the broader implications for governance in Zambia.
The allegations have sparked public interest, particularly among those who straddle the realms of modernity and tradition. As the nation grapples with pressing socio-economic issues, the w!tchcraft accusation serves as a reminder of the enduring power of cultural beliefs and their capacity to influence political narratives.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
