In a dramatic courtroom revelation, witchdoctor Elizabeth Phiri has testified under oath that she was coerced into transferring ownership of her properties to former First Lady Esther Lungu under duress. Phiri’s testimony came during proceedings at the Lusaka Magistrates Court, where she alleged that she signed the documents with a gun pointed at her head.
According to Phiri, the properties in question were acquired with part of a US$400,000 sum that Esther Lungu had entrusted to her niece, Catherine Phiri. Catherine reportedly squandered the money, including spending part of it on charms from Phiri, intended to attract men and aid in conception.
In her testimony, Phiri recounted that Esther Lungu pressured her into signing over the properties, claiming she feared for her life and was forced to comply. Phiri stated that she attempted to negotiate the return of the property and offered to repay Esther K350,000 as a gesture of goodwill.
During cross-examination, Phiri was questioned about various aspects of her claims. Under questioning by Makebi Zulu, Phiri admitted that she did not disclose to Esther that the house was purchased with funds from Chief Mukuni and other well-wishers due to the manner in which she was approached. She also acknowledged that it made little sense to transfer property for a mere K4,000 but agreed it was plausible to lose property over a K2 million debt.
Phiri’s credibility was further challenged when she was asked about her capacity to purchase vehicles and whether she had a license to operate as a herbalist. She cited a Bible verse, Jeremiah 1:5, to justify her business activities, asserting that her practice has been legitimate since she was eight years old.
The court also addressed allegations of perjury against Phiri, as her statements regarding the amount of money received from Catherine changed during cross-examination. An application was made by Zulu to cite Phiri for contempt of court for her inconsistent testimonies.
Esther Lungu is facing charges alongside several individuals, including police officers James Phiri, Lee Chisulo, Kapambwe Lungu, and her niece Catherine Banda, on multiple counts of theft, including theft of motor vehicles.
The case has been adjourned to October 8, 2024, for continued cross-examination.
For further details and updates, please contact:
Lusaka Magistrates Court
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