Witchcraft in Zambia: A Belief that Runs Deep
In the southern African country of Zambia, witchcraft is a very real and feared phenomenon. Many people believe in its power, and some even live in fear of it. Recently, two men, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, were arrested in the capital, Lusaka, accused of being “witchdoctors” tasked with bewitching President Hakainde Hichilema.
A Mission to Harm the President
According to the police, Candunde and Phiri’s mission was to use charms to harm the president. They were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon. The pair have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act with “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.”
A Different Approach to Politics
In the United States, political tensions can run high, but the approach to dealing with them is vastly different. While some might resort to violence, others might take a more…unconventional route. If only those who opposed the president had access to a live chameleon, some charms, and a voodoo mask, they might have chosen a more mystical path.
The Power of Belief
In Zambia, the belief in witchcraft is so strong that the government has passed the Witchcraft Act, allowing citizens to be prosecuted for possession of spooky objects. Some people swear by its power, like Zah, who claims to have put a curse on an enemy that caused his house to be struck by lightning.
A Cultural Divide
Witchcraft and voodoo never gained much traction in the United States, unlike in Africa. Perhaps if it had, Americans would have found ways to weaponize it, using it to settle petty scores and exact revenge. But instead, we’re left with mean tweets and hit pieces.
A Defense Against the Impossible
If I were a defense attorney in Zambia, my defense would be simple: “Can we be a serious country for 5 minutes?” It’s hard to take accusations of witchcraft seriously, especially when they involve bewitching the president.
A Nervous Laughter
As I write this, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease. Have I tempted fate by mocking the ancient art of witchcraft? Will my parent’s Christmas tree catch on fire? I retract what I said if anything in my life catches on fire. Maybe it’s not the smartest move to spit in the face of voodoo two days before Christmas. Zah, if you’re reading this, a spell of protection would be greatly appreciated.
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