By 
A bizarre court case involving alleged witchcraft targeting President Hakainde Hichilema faced another delay on Monday after prosecution witnesses failed to appear before the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court.
The trial, now ongoing for six months, was scheduled to proceed but was adjourned after the State informed the court that its witnesses were unavailable.
The accused — Jasten Mabulesse Candude Candude, a Mozambican national, and his Zambian co-accused, Leonard Phiri — were both present in the court’s holding cells, prepared for the day’s proceedings.
However, without witness testimony, the prosecution was unable to proceed.
“This case has now dragged on for about six months. We need to make progress,” Magistrate Fines Mayumbu remarked, issuing a stern warning to the prosecution to ensure all witnesses are present at the next hearing.
The case has now been adjourned to June 16, 2025, for mention, with the trial expected to resume on June 27.
The two are alleged to have been hired by fugitive former Petauke Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda, through his younger brother Nelson Banda, to cast harmful spells on President Hichilema — allegedly for a fee of K43 million.
The accused were reportedly found in possession of charms, including a live chameleon, which they allegedly used in rituals intended to cause fear or harm to the President.
They are charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act for professing knowledge of supernatural practices and possession of items linked to sorcery.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments