Two ‘wizards’ plotting to ‘bewitch’ HH arrested

By GIDEON NYENDWA

AFTER months of speculation that wizards had been hired to help Emmanuel Jay Banda mysteriously disappear from Chipata General Hospital in July this year, Police have finally arrested two people whom they claim were plotting to bewitch President Hakainde Hichilema.
THE Zambia Police Service has arrested two suspects accused of attempting to use wizardry to harm President Hakainde Hichilema.
There were reports at the time that in fact police had raided several houses in Petauke including the home of the brother to Jay Jay, who was accused of having Petauke law maker escape from lawful custody. And yesterday, the Zambia Police announced that they had apprehended two people who were found with charms, including a live chameleon with the intention of harming President Hichilema.
Police Public Relations officer, Rae Hamoonga says the suspects, identified as Mr. Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, of Maravia, Mozambique, and Mr. Leonard Phiri, 43, of Sinda, were apprehended during a joint operation involving the Department of Immigration and the Anti-Terrorism Unit in Lusaka.

“The suspects were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are alleged to be practicing witchdoctors. Preliminary investigations have revealed that they were engaged by Nelson Banda who is currently on the run, the younger brother of Emmanuel Jay Banda. Their purported mission was to use charms to harm the Head of State, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema,” Mr Hammonga said.
Mr Hamoonga revealed that the suspects, allegedly practicing witchdoctors, were hired by Nelson Banda, young brother to Petauke Central lndependent Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Banda, who is on the run.
“We urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” he said.
Mr Hamoonga said the younger brother of Emmanuel Jay Banda, is said to have paid the suspects K16, 500 out of a promised K30, 000 advance, with a total payment of K2, 000, 000 promised upon completion of their mission.
He said during the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon.

Mr Hamoonga said they have been charged with multiple offences, including professing knowledge of witchcraft under the Witchcraft Act, Chapter 90 of the Laws of Zambia, and possession of charms under the same act and cruelty to wild animals under the Zambia Wildlife Act, No. 14 of 2015.
“The suspects have been formally jointly arrested and charged for the following offenses, professing knowledge of witchcraft, contrary to Section 5 (a) of the Witchcraft Act, Chapter 90 of the Laws of Zambia, possession of charms, contrary to Section 11 (2) of the Witchcraft Act, Chapter 90 of the Laws of Zambia, Cruelty to wild animals, contrary to Section 80 of the Zambia Wildlife Act, No. 14 of 2015, of the Laws of Zambia,” Mr Hamoonga said.
He said the suspects are in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon.