Chiluba to seek treatment in SA
2007-07-20 15:30
Lusaka - A Zambian court on Friday gave former president Frederick Chiluba permission to seek medical treatment in South Africa for a cardiac condition ahead of his trial on corruption charges.
State prosecutor Mutembo Nchito said: "He has been given 21 days in which to travel to SA and return by August 14 for trial."
The Zambian government had approved Chiluba's trip subject to the courts releasing his passport, which was confiscated to prevent him from fleeing the country after two of his co-accused escaped.
Chiluba and two other businessmen were charged with the theft of funds amounting to $488 000 during his 10-year tenure as head of state, which ended in 2001.
The trial had been delayed for more than three years due to his poor health.