Former President Edgar Lungu has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene and facilitate the evacuation of ailing former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba for medical treatment abroad.
Mwamba, incarcerated since October and currently receiving care at Maina Soko Military Medical Centre, last week requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Court grant him permission for medical evacuation. In his affidavit, Mwamba revealed his health had worsened due to a lack of necessary treatment unavailable in Zambia, with concerns his prostate cancer could be advancing.
Despite his appeal, the court has denied Mwamba bail pending appeal.
Lungu has called on Hichilema to show compassion, emphasizing that such an act would not only save a life but also help heal political divisions. He cited the example of the late President Levy Mwanawasa, who arranged a midnight evacuation for political rival Michael Sata in 2008.
“GBM is a responsible businessman and a brother to many across political lines. Why should the UPND government fail to help someone who was their vice president and Hichilema’s running mate in 2016?” Lungu said.
He stressed it would be morally wrong for the UPND to support GBM’s funeral when they could save his life.
Source: Nkani