A Zambian court on Friday again postponed judgement in the landmark graft trial of Zambia’s former president, Frederick Chiluba, who is accused of corruption and stealing $500 000 from public funds.
Chiluba’s spokesperson made the announcement to the packed courtroom in the capital, Lusaka. The presiding magistrate was not present and no reasons were given for the postponement.
”We have been asked to announce that this case has been adjourned to Monday,” said spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba.
Chiluba faces a jail term of up to five years, in what became one of Africa’s most high-profile corruption cases after he first went on trial in December 2003 following retirement as Zambia’s second post-independence leader.
The former head of state arrived in court on Friday with his wife Regina — who is appealing a three-and-a-half year conviction handed down this year for receiving stolen property — and appeared to be in a jovial mood.
His arrival was met by about 200 cheering supporters outside the court.
”We have just been informed. We don’t know the reason that the matter will come on Monday,” his lawyer, Robert Simeza, told reporters.
The drawn-out trial has been bogged down by Chiluba’s poor health and legal procedures.
Last month, the magistrate’s court deferred judgement after Chiluba failed to file written submissions in time to the court for consideration in the judgement.
Chiluba was charged after his handpicked successor, the late Levy Mwanawasa, embarked on an anti-corruption campaign in Zambia.
He is accused of stealing state funds during his decade-long term as president until he retired in 2001. — Sapa-AFP