Two men are currently on trial in Zambia facing charges of practicing witchcraft and possessing charms intended to harm the country's president. The case has garnered significant attention in the southern African nation, shedding light on the enduring belief in magic and supernatural phenomena in parts of the region.
The trial has also brought to the forefront the debate around a colonial-era law in Zambia that criminalizes witchcraft, a practice deeply rooted in traditional Zambian societies. Many individuals in Zambia believe in a strong connection between the human world and the supernatural.
Prosecutors allege that the two men were hired to curse President Hakainde Hichilema by a relative of a former lawmaker who is currently evading authorities. The men were apprehended in a hotel room in Lusaka, where they were found in possession of various items, including a bottled chameleon, a mysterious white powder, a red cloth, and an unidentified animal's tail. They also face charges of cruelty to animals.
Police reported that one of the men confessed to being hired for a curse to kill President Hichilema, with the promise of over $1 million. The case has sparked interest due to the prevalent belief in witchcraft in Zambia, with many individuals taking such practices seriously.
While the trial was initially set to be broadcast live on television, the decision was later reversed, citing concerns from stakeholders, including the Council of Churches. The courtroom was packed as the trial commenced, underscoring the significance of the case in the country.
Witchcraft cases have historically been challenging to prosecute in Zambia, with evidence collection posing difficulties. The Witchcraft Act, enacted in 1914 during British colonial rule, defines practicing witchcraft as any act intended to cause fear, annoyance, or harm through supernatural means.
Despite the prevalence of Christianity in Zambia, traditional beliefs, including witchcraft, continue to coexist. A study conducted in 2018 found that 79% of Zambians believe in the existence of witchcraft, prompting discussions around the Witchcraft Act and its enforcement.
As the trial unfolds, many Zambians are closely following the proceedings, with some hoping it will shape the country's approach to witchcraft in the future. While opinions vary on the subject, the difficulty of proving witchcraft in a court of law remains a significant challenge.
