Opposition politician hands himself to police

Opposition Zambian legislator Dipak Patel left hospital on Monday where he had been recovering from a nerve-related ailment and handed himself to police, who charged him with defaming President Frederick Chiluba, his lawyers said. Patel, a former close ally of the president, was admitted to hospital eight days ago, Reuters reported.

Two weeks ago, Patel was quoted by the independent daily the ‘Post’ as alleging that, in 1997, Chiluba had diverted US $4 million of state funds earmarked to provide food supplies for poor communities. ‘Post’ reporter Bivan Saluseki already has been charged with criminal libel for writing the story. Also facing the same charges are ‘Post’ editor Fred M’Membe, who in a biting editorial called Chiluba a thief, and flamboyant former finance minister Edith Nawakwi, who has linked the president to graft.