A fifth witness has testified in a case involving two suspected witchdoctors, Leonard Phiri and Mabulesse Candunde of Mozambique that the chameleon which was part of the suspected charms was disposed of at Munda Wanga Environmental Park, in Chilanga District.
Bright Nkhoma aged 35, an officer for the Department of National Parks and Wildlife told the court that on November 28th, 2025 officers from the Zambia Police approached his office with two suspects and an exhibit of a live Chameleon.
Speaking at the Magistrate Court during a continued trial for the duo suspects who are being accused with intent to harm President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr Nkhoma explained that the police officers requested for the disposal of the said animal.
The state witness disclosed that as per procedure, the letter of disposal was prepared and signed by the Magistrate Court.
Mr Nkhoma said that the letter had an instruction for the animal to be returned to the wilderness, thus disposing of it at Munda Wanga Environmental Park.
“Your Honour, I am able to identify the animal in line with the details on the order of disposal documents,” Mr Nkhoma testified before Resident Magistrate, Fine Mayambu.
Meanwhile, the defense, led by lawyer Agripa Malando from the Legal Aid Board, questioned the witness if a chameleon is a charm, of which Mr Nkhoma agreed.
Mr Nkhoma explained that the said animal can be used as a charm to harm others, but that he did not observe anything peculiar about the chameleon during the time it was in his custody for three hours.
The matter has since been adjourned to march 5th and 7th, 2025.
