Two men found guilty of witchcraft plot to kill Zambia’s president

Conviction comes as Hakainde Hichilema faces growing criticism for suppressing political opposition

Two men have been convicted in Zambia of planning to use witchcraft to kill the president, Hakainde Hichilema.

Leonard Phiri, a village chief, and Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a Mozambican citizen, were arrested in December after a cleaner reported hearing strange noises. Authorities said they were found to be in possession of a live chameleon and other “assorted charms”, including a red cloth, an unidentified white powder and an animal’s tail.