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The case of a Mozambican and a Zambian accused of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema through witchcraft has taken a new turn, with the court ordering a trial-within-a-trial to assess the voluntariness of a confession allegedly made by one of the suspects.
Lusaka Resident Magistrate, Fines Mayambu, made the ruling after defence lawyer, Agrippa Malando, objected to the testimony of Detective Chief Inspector Teddy Bumelo, who claimed that Jasten Mabulesse Candude, a Mozambican national, confessed during police interviews to being hired to bewitch Hichilema.
Malando argued that his client never made such a confession, prompting the court to explore the circumstances under which the statement was obtained.
Detective Chief Inspector, Bumelo testified that on November 28, 2024, he and other officers interviewed three men in a police room, where they also found alleged charms.
According to Bumelo, Candude confessed to traveling from Mozambique for the purpose of performing witchcraft, allegedly hired by a man known only as Nelson.
He claimed that Candude recruited his friend, Leonard Phiri, to assist in the alleged plot.
However, Malando maintained that the officer’s testimony amounted to a forced confession, sparking tense exchanges in the courtroom.
“The witness before you is an officer, and everything he is putting across amounts to a confession. We are here because my client denied confessing,” Malando asserted.
The prosecution called for a trial-within-a-trial to establish whether the confession was voluntary.
While the state was ready to proceed immediately, the defence requested more time, leading to an adjournment.
Candude and Phiri face charges under the Witchcraft Act for professing knowledge of witchcraft and possessing charms, contrary to Sections 5 and 11(2) of the Act, respectively.
During the investigation, authorities seized various items, including bottles of powder, water mixed with roots, red and white cloths, an animal tail, a snail shell, and copper wire.
The Traditional Health Practitioners Association of Zambia (TAPAZ) distanced itself from the accused, confirming that they are not registered members.
TAPAZ official Boniface Changwe testified that the organization had a strict registration process for traditional healers, issuing official certificates and membership cards.
After examining documents presented by the police, Changwe declared them fake, noting, “These documents lacked the necessary signatures and watermarks. We do not issue white certificates.”
Changwe expressed concern over the seized items, explaining that while some traditional tools can be used in spiritual rituals, their use outside regulated practice is concerning.
“The tail, like a stethoscope, helps invoke spirits, while the traditional whisk guides healers in pronouncing the right medicine,” he explained.
The case has been adjourned pending the trial-within-a-trial to determine the admissibility of the alleged confession.
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