The Zambian Police Service thwarted an alleged bewitching plot against President Hakainde Hichilema and arrested two men - a Mozambican and a Zambian national who, Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga said in a statement.
"Their purported mission was to use charms to harm the head of state, his excellency President Hakainde Hichilema," the statement read.
According to Hamoonga, the suspects were hired by the brother of a member of the Zambian parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda, who was reportedly arrested last month on accusations of robbery, and were promised a 2-million-kwacha (approximately $72,550) reward upon completing the mission.
While the police are pursuing the alleged mastermind of the plot, the arrested participants are in custody and will soon appear in court, where they will face several charges, including witchcraft and animal cruelty, the official noted.