South African cardiac specialists are to help decide whether Zambia’s former president Frederick Chiluba is fit to stand trial on corruption charges, his spokesman told Agence France-Presse on Monday.
One of the doctors behind a preliminary medical report, which was delivered to magistrates in Lusaka last week, said that Chiluba was ”very sick” but more tests would be needed to ascertain the extent of his illness on the orders of the court.
Chiluba’s spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba confirmed after a closed-door court session on Monday that the 63-year-old former president would fly to South Africa following an order by magistrate Jones Chinyama.
”The court has ordered the immediate evacuation to South Africa of Chiluba in the light of the evidence from the medical report,” Mwamba said shortly after the court adjourned.
”South Africa doctors will help determine whether Chiluba can stand trial or not. The priority is medical treatment for now,” Mwamba said.
Mwamba attended the court session on behalf of Chiluba who is reported to be bed-ridden as a result of his acute cardiac complication.
Chinyama has also released Chiluba’s passport, which was surrendered to court as part of his bail conditions, to allow him travel to South Africa.
One of the five Zambian medics involved in the initial examination of Chiluba said the former head of state needed tests in South Africa before a final opinion on his condition can be delivered to the court.
”Basically, our report is not yet conclusive. He needs to go for thorough tests involving his heart before we can decide whether he is fit to proceed with his case,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
”To be honest, the man is very sick,” he added.
Chiluba, who ruled Zambia for 10 years until 2001, is on trial together with two private businessmen for theft of $488 000 of state funds but his case has been delayed due to his deteriorating health. – Sapa-AFP