Zambia blocked former president Frederick Chiluba from seeking medical treatment in South Africa on Tuesday on suspicion he might not return home, where he is on trial for graft, a senior intelligence source said.
Chiluba (64) was told he could not leave despite a Lusaka court order that he should be evacuated immediately for a medical review and treatment of heart and kidney conditions, his aide Emmanuel Mwamba said.
”Dr Chiluba was due to leave today [Tuesday] until chief government spokesperson Vernon Mwaanga told me the trip had been cancelled until further notice,” Mwamba told Reuters.
Mwaanga was not immediately available for comment, but told journalists from state media he would issue a statement later.
Mwamba said Chiluba required immediate medical attention and said the travel ban was not justified. ”Dr Chiluba feels this action is designed to endanger his health or literally to kill him,” he said.
Chiluba has been charged with stealing $488 000 in public funds while in office from 1991 to 2001. His successor, Levy Mwanawasa, launched the prosecution against Chiluba in 2002.
Chiluba denies any wrongdoing and has accused Mwanawasa of a political witch-hunt.
The intelligence source said the government was afraid Chiluba might not return to Zambia for the graft trial, which has been in recess since February due to Chiluba’s ill health.
”There is a feeling in the government circles that Chiluba might go forever. There has been talk he might seek political asylum within Africa, a move which could embarrass the government,” the source told Reuters.
Acrimony worsened between Chiluba and Mwanawasa when the ex-president declared support for opposition leader Michael Sata in the September presidential elections.
Mwanawasa eventually won the poll after a divisive campaign and accusations of vote-rigging from Sata. — Reuters