A Zambian court has sentenced Leonard Phiri (Zambia) and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde (Mozambique) to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema. Arrested in December 2024 with charms including a live chameleon, the men were convicted under Zambia’s colonial-era Witchcraft Act.

Magistrate Fine Mayambu called them “enemies of all Zambians,” noting their admission of owning the charms and intent to cause death through a ritual. Though the men claimed to be traditional healers, the court ruled they falsely presented themselves as possessing supernatural powers.

This marks Zambia’s first known prosecution for using witchcraft against a sitting president. The court also handed down an additional six-month sentence for possession of charms, to run concurrently.

President Hichilema has not commented, though he has previously stated he does not believe in witchcraft. The case has drawn national attention amid broader debates about belief in witchcraft, which remains prevalent despite lack of scientific support.

The Witchcraft Act, dating back to 1914, is rarely used but remains in force to prevent fear and potential harm in communities.