Zambian Police Arrest Two Witch Doctors Over Alleged Plot to Bewitch President Hichilema

December 22, 2024

2 minutes read

Zambian President

Zambian authorities have arrested two individuals accused of attempting to use witchcraft to harm President Hakainde Hichilema, prompting public outcry and demands for their release.

The suspects, described as traditional healers, were apprehended in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, following allegations of attempting to cast harmful spells against the President. The arrests were announced on Sunday, with police claiming the duo had been engaging in acts intended to harm the head of state.

A police spokesperson stated that the two men were found with items commonly associated with traditional rituals. Although details about their intentions and affiliations remain unclear, the authorities allege that the suspects were plotting a spiritual attack against President Hichilema.

The arrests have sparked mixed reactions among the public and civil society groups. Critics argue that the charges are baseless and rooted in cultural misunderstandings of traditional practices. Advocacy groups have questioned the evidence against the suspects, calling for their immediate release.

In a statement, a Nigerian activist joined the calls for leniency. The activist urged President Hichilema to drop the charges against the detained men, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and respect for traditional practices in Zambia and across Africa. “This case highlights the need for dialogue between cultural traditions and modern governance systems,” the activist said.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the broader relationship between traditional practices and state authority in Zambia. While witchcraft accusations remain contentious, many Zambians view traditional healing and spiritual practices as integral to their culture. However, such practices often clash with the legal and political frameworks of modern states.

President Hichilema, who has yet to comment on the matter, has positioned himself as a leader focused on economic reform and the rule of law. The case adds to his administration’s ongoing challenges in balancing cultural preservation with national security and governance.

The arrested suspects are currently in police custody awaiting formal charges. It remains unclear whether the government will pursue the case in court or consider the growing calls for clemency.

As Zambia grapples with this sensitive issue, the incident has ignited broader discussions about the intersection of tradition, spirituality, and governance in Africa.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Dangote Refinery Petrol Price Drop Sparks Hope for Cheaper Fuel Nationwide

Nigerians may soon enjoy relief at fuel stations as the Dangote refinery petrol price drop ...

Former Boko Haram Members De-radicalised

Yobe State to Reintegrate 390 Ex-Boko Haram Members After De-Radicalisation Programme

The Yobe State Government has announced its readiness to reintegrate 390 former Boko Haram members ...

Muhammed Salah signs new contract

Mohamed Salah Extends Stay at Anfield

Mohamed Salah has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool FC, extending his stay at ...

Bauchi State

Man Arrested for Sexual Assault of Minor Daughter in Bauchi

Police detain father accused of impregnating 17-year-old biological daughter. The Bauchi State Police Command has ...

Features

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley: The Trailblazing African American Poet Who Defied Oppression

Phillis Wheatley: A Pioneer in Black Literature and Poetry Phillis Wheatley was a groundbreaking poet ...

Women Participation in Politics

International Women’s Day 2025: Advancing Rights, Equality, and Leadership for African Women

The 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” ...

Bromate

Bromate Use in Bread: The Hidden Health Risks

Potassium bromate, a banned additive in bread production, poses serious health risks, including cancer. Learn ...
Wema Bank

Wema Bank targets fraudulent activities as it suspends seven fintech partners

Tackling Fraud in Nigeria’s Fintech Sector: Wema Bank’s Bold Steps Nigeria’s financial technology (fintech) sector ...

The Rise of West African Startups: A Tech Revolution

The rise of West African startups is transforming the region’s tech ecosystem, with fintech and ...

Latest News

Today in History

April 26th is the day in 1336 that Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) ascends Mont Ventoux.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram390.33
GH Ghana Cedi15.31
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,655
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,608.8
CF CFA Franc BEAC575.0775
26 Apr · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 26 Apr 2025 08:05 UTC
Latest change: 26 Apr 2025 08:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?