Leo Igwe, a human rights advocate and Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, has urged Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema to immediately drop charges against two individuals accused of attempting to bewitch him.
In a letter addressed to the President, Igwe demanded the unconditional release of the detained men, describing the allegations as baseless and harmful to Zambia’s international image. He criticized the arrest as a peculiar incident that risks exposing the country to global ridicule.
Igwe further argued that pursuing such a case is a waste of police and legislative resources, which could be better utilized to address pressing national issues. He questioned the feasibility of proving the case in court, noting that establishing the possession of a charm as a criminal act is nearly impossible under legal standards that require proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
In his letter, Igwe stated, “My name is Leo Igwe from the Advocacy for Alleged Witches. We campaign against witchcraft accusations, witch persecution, and witch hunting in Africa. Our goal is to eradicate witch hunts in Africa by 2030. I write to express my concern over the report by the BBC titled, ‘Suspected Witchdoctors Arrested Over Attempt to Bewitch Zambia’s President.’ This development is deeply embarrassing and undermines our efforts to combat witchcraft-related persecution in the region.”
Igwe posed a direct question to the Zambian leader, asking, “Your Excellency, do you genuinely believe in witchcraft and the efficacy of charms?”
He criticized the police for what he described as an illegal act, claiming they violated the law by attributing criminal intent to the alleged possession of charms. He argued, “The police broke the law by imputing that the items in the possession of the accused were charms intended to harm the President. This charge is absurd and is turning Zambia into a subject of international mockery.”
Igwe also emphasized the legal challenges of the case, stating, “How would the police prove that the items were charms? How would they demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that these were meant to harm you? Even if the accused confessed, how does this hold any legal or criminal validity?”
Highlighting the broader implications, Igwe added, “This arrest diverts attention from Zambia’s pressing socioeconomic challenges. It is an unnecessary distraction and a misuse of the country’s police and legislative resources.”
He further noted that there is no scientific, legal, or factual basis to support claims that witchcraft or charms can harm another person. He described the charges under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act as a misinterpretation of the law.
“I implore you to withdraw these charges and release the accused individuals,” Igwe concluded.
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