Chiluba being treated in SA
2007-07-28 14:49
Lusaka - Former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba is in South Africa for medical treatment but remains under a court order to return to Zambia to face corruption charges next month, state media said on Saturday.
"The former president arrived in South Africa where he will
receive medical treatment," Zambian state radio said, adding
that Chiluba landed in South Africa on Friday.
Chiluba, who ruled the southern African nation from 1991 to
2001, is accused of stealing $488 000 from the treasury while in
power. He has denied the charges and accuses his successor, Levy
Mwanawasa, of a political witch hunt.
Chiluba's trial is scheduled to begin on August 14.
Prosecutors want the former president to stand trial despite
his health problems, while Chiluba and his lawyers have argued
that he is too ill to appear. His defence team is also opposing
a move to have him testify via a video link.