The Judiciary of Zambia has reversed its earlier decision to allow the live broadcast of the high-profile trial involving two suspected witchdoctors accused of conspiring to harm President Hakainde Hichilema.
In a statement issued by Judiciary Deputy Director of Corporate Communication, Kalumba Slavin, the Judiciary cited concerns raised by various stakeholders as the reason for the reversal. Slavin stated that, moving forward, public and media access to the proceedings will be limited to in-person attendance in court.
The trial of Leonard Phiri, a Zambian national, and Jasten Mabulese Candunde, a Mozambican, is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 18th February 2025. The two were arrested in December 2024 for allegedly being hired by Nelson Banda brother to fugitive and former Petauke Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda to harm President Hichilema.
Last month, their bail request was denied, with the state arguing that the suspects posed a flight risk due to a previous escape attempt and uncertainties regarding their residency status.