Two men have been arrested in Zambia on charges of “witches” charged with trying to charm the president.
Police said they arrested Justin Mabulisi Kandonde and Leonard Phiri in the capital, Lusaka.
The police statement issued on Friday said their “alleged mission was to use talismans to harm” President Hakainde Hichilema.
Many people in the southern African country believe in witchcraft and live in fear of it.
Police said Mr Kandonde and Mr Phiri were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda.
The MP was arrested last month on charges of theft, which he denies. He is also accused of escaping from custody in August while awaiting court appearance.
The opposition Patriotic Front party, led by former President Edgar Lungu, had previously claimed that the accusations were politically motivated.
Emmanuel Banda, who has been an independent MP since 2021, was previously linked to Lungu, who lost the presidency to Hichilema that year.
The police said in their statement that the member of Parliament's younger brother, Nelson, is “currently on the run.”
Mr Kandonde and Phiri were charged under Zambia's witchcraft law with “possession of charms”, “admitted knowledge of witchcraft” and “cruelty to wild animals”.
Police added that they were found in possession of “various amulets”, including a live chameleon.
They told police they had been promised more than 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their “mission,” according to a police statement.
Police said the suspects were in custody and would appear in court “soon,” but did not set a specific date for the hearing. They have not yet commented publicly on these accusations.
