Zambian authorities have taken two individuals into custody on charges of being witch doctors allegedly contracted to cast spells on President Hakainde Hichilema.
Gatekeepers News reports that the arrests occurred in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.
The suspects have been identified as Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, aged 42, and Leonard Phiri, aged 43.
A police statement issued on Friday said “their purported mission was to use charms to harm” Hichilema.
“The suspects were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are alleged to be practicing witchdoctors,” the statement reads.
The police said the suspects were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of Emmanuel Banda, a member of the parliament.
The MP was reportedly arrested last month in neighbouring Zimbabwe over robbery charges.
Emmanuel denied the charges but has not been seen in public.
He is also accused of having escaped from custody in August while waiting to appear in court.
Police said the suspects were promised K2,000,000 (about $72,166) after the execution of their mission.
The statement added that the suspects would appear in court “soon”.
