Detective Chief Inspector Teddy Bumelo, a state witness, has testified in court that the two traditional doctors accused of attempting to harm President Hakainde Hichilema were not tortured or coerced into confessing.
The two accused, Jasten Mabulesse Candude, a Mozambican, and Leonard Phiri, a Zambian, face charges of professing knowledge of witchcraft and possession of charms. The case was constituted into a trial within a trial to establish the voluntariness of the alleged confession.
Bumelo stated that the warn and caution statement was conducted at police headquarters, with an officer video recording the interview.
He emphasized that the accused were informed of their rights, including the right to legal counsel or relative representation.
Bumelo denied promising the accused anything or using inducement, beating, or harassment.
During cross-examination, Bumelo confirmed that police force headquarters has multiple conference rooms and acknowledged the presence of police officers in uniforms, guns, and plain clothes around the premises.
However, he denied that fellow officers were running commentaries during the interview. He added that he was in plain clothes and that the environment was conducive.
The trial-within-trial has been adjourned to April 3 for continuation. The accused were allegedly found at a lodge with assorted charms, including a live chameleon. According to the prosecution, they confessed to having been hired by Emmanuel Jay Banda through his brother Nelson for a fee of K43 million.
