Former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, who is undergoing specialized treatment in South Africa, has been found with a heart problem, Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) radio reported Thursday.

Chiluba's spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba told the radio that the former president was found with a heart problem after extensive and thorough tests conducted by doctors at Garden City Clinical Hospital in South Africa.

He said the doctors conducted tests, which also included a HIV/ AIDS tests, to ascertain what has been causing him discomfort.

According to Mwamba, doctors have assured that the heart problem was reversible and have since advised that the former president should be kept at the hospital for observation and treatment.

The HIV/AIDS tests came out negative, Mwamba told ZNBC.

Chiluba, who ruled Zambia from 1992 to 2001, was flown to South Africa last week for medical checks and specialized treatment after complaining of not feeling well. The government then chartered a plane to take him to the country.

The former president, who is currently facing charges of abuse of office and corruption, was previously denied to go abroad as the government feared that he would not return back to face charges.

However, the Zambian government gave the former president green light last Thursday after a Lusaka magistrates court had ordered the state to release his passport to enable the travel.

The decision of the government was made following President Levy Mwanawasa paid a courtesy call to Chiluba the previous day and suggested that the former president need urgent medical attention.

Source: Xinhua