Two men are on trial in Zambia on charges of practicing witchcraft and possessing charms intended to harm the country's president, in a case that has become a source of fascination in the southern African nation.
It was passed in 1914 when Zambia was part of the British “sphere of influence.” The act defines practicing witchcraft as pretending to exercise any kind of supernatural power, witchcraft, sorcery or enchantment calculated to cause fear, annoyance or injury.
But some politicians and other public figures in Zambia have said they believe in witchcraft, seeking out supernatural help to make them stronger or more popular.
The case has captured attention because many Zambians take witchcraft seriously, said Enoch Ngoma, a journalist for more than 30 years who has covered many such trials.
Zambia's judiciary had said it would allow this trial to be broadcast live on television, which would have been just the second time that's happened for a trial.
