A court in Zambia has sentenced two men to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hakainde Hichilema. Zambian Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde were convicted under the Witchcraft Act after being arrested in December with charms, including a live chameleon. Magistrate Fine Mayambu stated that the convicts were enemies not just of the head of state but of all Zambians. This case has garnered significant public attention as it represents the first instance of someone being tried for a witchcraft attempt against a president.

The prosecution claimed Phiri and Candunde were hired by a fugitive former MP for this purpose. Despite their claims of being traditional healers, they were found guilty. Magistrate Mayambu explained that the two men accepted ownership of the charms and that Phiri demonstrated a ritual involving the chameleon's tail, which he claimed would ensure death within five days.

While the defense urged leniency due to the men being first-time offenders, the court rejected this appeal. The judge highlighted the societal fears surrounding witchcraft in Zambia, noting the law's intent to protect citizens from supposed supernatural harm.

In addition to their two-year sentence for 'professing' witchcraft, they received another six-month term for possessing charms, to be served concurrently. Hichilema, who does not believe in witchcraft, has not publicly commented on the case. This prosecution is particularly notable as witchcraft accusations often lead to dangerous mob justice, highlighting the necessity of such laws.