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Chiluba's heart 'very weak'
28/05/2007 13:30 - (SA)
Lusaka - Former Zambian President
Frederick Chiluba was discharged from a hospital on Monday after
being treated for a chronic heart condition, but he may still be
too weak to stand trial for graft, a spokesperson said.
"The former president has been discharged from the hospital
and doctors have advised that he needs a lot of rest," Chiluba
spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba told Reuters. The one-time Zambian
leader collapsed at his home on Thursday.
Chiluba, who ruled the southern African nation from 1991 to
2001, is accused of stealing $488 000 in state funds while in power. The charges stem from an anti-corruption campaign
launched by his successor, President Levy Mwanawasa.
Doctors were expected on Monday to recommend to a Zambian
court whether Chiluba, 64, was fit enough to stand trial. His
case has been stalled since May 2006 due to concerns about his
health.
"His condition is chronic and cannot be treated, but it can
only be controlled and it is likely that the condition will keep
fluctuating due to stress," Mwamba said. "Doctors have said all
ailments he is experiencing are arising from the cardiac problem
he has because his heart is still very weak."
Doctors have advised Chiluba to return to hospital for
treatment as well as travel to South Africa for a medical review
within the next month, according to Mwamba. Chiluba has been
receiving treatment at a Johannesburg clinic since last year.
Zambian authorities have placed travel restrictions on
Chiluba pending the outcome of corruption cases against him in
Zambia as well as Britain.
Earlier this month, a British judge ruled Chiluba must pay
back $41m of the $46m he and 19 other former
government officials were accused of siphoning from the Zambian
government while in power.
Zambian authorities brought the case in an effort to recover
funds they claimed were stolen and deposited in a number of
countries, including Britain and Belgium.
Chiluba has denied the charges and accuses Mwanawasa of
waging a political witch hunt against him and his supporters.
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