Traditional healers to open defence in alleged plot to harm President Hichilema

Two traditional healers accused of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through witchcraft are expected to open their defence this Thursday, following a Lusaka magistrate’s ruling that they have a case to answer.

Magistrate Fines Mayambu found that a prima facie case had been established against Mozambican national, Jasten Mabulesse Candude and his co-accused, Leonard Phiri, who face two charges: professing knowledge of witchcraft and possession of charms.

“The evidence presented by the State establishes a prima facie case. I accordingly find both accused with a case to answer on both counts. They are now placed on their defence,” Magistrate Mayambu ruled on Tuesday.

The accused have chosen to give sworn testimony and indicated they will not call any witnesses. The matter has been adjourned to Thursday for the commencement of their defence.

The case took a sensational turn during trial, as the State called 10 witnesses, including police officers who presented video recordings of the accused allegedly confessing to the plot.

In a dramatic courtroom session, the court viewed footage in which Candude and Phiri reportedly described a ritual they claimed was commissioned by fugitive former Petauke Central MP, Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda and facilitated by his mother.

The alleged purpose was to cause the death of President Hichilema.

Candude claimed he was approached through Banda’s intermediaries, including his brother Nelson, to carry out the ritual.

Phiri alleged he received K5,000 to assist with the spell.

The video showed the accused demonstrating how a chameleon’s tail was to be cut and injected with a substance before being placed on a road the President was expected to use.

According to Phiri, the spell was meant to be fatal within five days.

Candude was seen in the video wrapped in a red cloth, striking himself with what he called the “tail of a witchdoctor,” claiming it was used to invoke spirits.

He also displayed various bottled concoctions, which he said were intended for healing, good luck, and fortune — but denied possessing any substance designed to kill.

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