GOVT MUST EXPLAIN ‘WITCHCRAFT’ CONVICTIONS, SAYS MOOLA

By ROGERS KALERO 

TONSE Alliance Copperbelt Information and Publicity Secretary Moola Munalula has challenged Government to explain the contradiction between Christian beliefs and the jailing of two men over alleged witchcraft.

Mr Munalula said while many Zambians understood that President Hichilema, a Seventh Day Adventist Church elder, does not believe in witchcraft, there was need for clarity on why two individuals were convicted and sentenced in connection with practising it.

He was reacting to remarks by President Hichilema, who recently dismissed allegations linking him to witchcraft claims involving the remains of former head of State Edgar Lungu, describing the assertions as false and misplaced.

Speaking during a radio interview on the Copperbelt, President Hichilema said it was unfortunate that such claims were being raised in a country that identifies as a Christian nation.

But Mr Munalula said it was surprising that while the President had dismissed witchcraft allegations, his Government had prosecuted and jailed two men for allegedly plotting to assassinate him through witchcraft. Last year in September, Leonard Phiri, 43, and Jasten Candunde, 42, were convicted under a colonial-era witchcraft law after a court found that they possessed charms, including a live chameleon, an animal tail and bottles containing substances allegedly intended to cast a fatal spell on the head of State.

Mr Munalula said this created a contradiction that required explanation.

“Zambians understand and appreciate that the President does not believe in witchcraft because he is a Christian, but they need a convincing explanation why his Government jailed two men suspected of practising witchcraft,” he said.

He argued that a Christian who does not believe in witchcraft should rely on faith rather than State institutions to respond to such matters.

“A true Christian will not use Government wings to arrest alleged witches, but will pray to God to defeat the wicked ways of the devil,” Mr Munalula said.

Meanwhile, Mr Munalula has called on President Hichilema to demonstrate what he described as Christian values by reconciling with youths who stoned him during an incident at Chiwempala Market in Chingola last year.

He said it would be more meaningful for the President to engage and reconcile with the youths rather than focus on welcoming defectors.

“It would be a true testimony of Christian values for the President to come to the Copperbelt and reconcile with those youths,” he said.

Mr Munalula also dismissed claims that the economy was performing well, describing such assertions as political rhetoric.

He said the majority of Zambians were still grappling with poverty, hunger and poor infrastructure, adding that economic performance should be reflected in improved living conditions. “A well-performing economy must be seen and felt through improved livelihoods and infrastructure development,” Mr Moola said.