A senior policeman in Zambia has been suspended for allowing journalists to interview the detained former President, Kenneth Kaunda.

A police spokesman said the suspension was for breach of discipline in allowing the interview to go ahead.

Mr Kaunda had returned to court on Friday to challenge the state's right to hold him under house arrest in connection with October's botched coup.

Under the terms of his arrest, he is banned from giving interviews and taking part in politics.

A police spokesman said the officer's suspension was for breach of discipline in allowing the interview to go ahead.

"The interview of Dr Kaunda by the foreign media amounts to negligence on the part of the officer for allowing this to happen," he said.

The suspended officer was named as George Kauseni, a senior assistant commissioner and second-in-command in the Lusaka province.

Wezi Kaunda, the son of the former president, describes the conditions of his father's house arrest (0'56")

Speaking to journalists and his supporters, Dr Kaunda said: "It is not Kaunda on trial, it is [President Frederick] Chiluba on trial."

"We have a good case, let us fight it peacefully."

Lawyers for Mr Kaunda, 73, say the High Court in Lusaka must either charge their client or let him go free.

Nelly Mutti of the defence team said: "The state should show cause why he should be under arrest."

Mr Kaunda is being held in his home where armed police have erected razor wire and are on guard round the clock.

After a three-hour hearing, focussing mainly on legal technicalities, Judge James Mutale said he would rule on Tuesday on an application to force the government to charge Kaunda.

Supporters of the former president packed the courtroom on Friday morning to jeer at police from the public gallery.

Kenneth Kaunda: denies involvement in October's attempted coup

Mr Kaunda, with his trademark white silk handkerchief threaded around his left hand, appealed to them to behave.

Before entering the court, he spoke briefly of his discomfort at being held a prisoner in his home.

"Conditions are very, very harsh," he said. "It is very difficult for me. I do not like it. I am very unhappy about it."

President Frederick Chiluba: believes Mr Kaunda was involved in uprising

He has denied any part in October's failed uprising.

Mr Kaunda, who ruled in Zambia for 27 years, was arrested on Christmas Day.

His supporters say President Frederick Chiluba is waging a personal vendetta against him.

Court proceedings had been adjourned on Monday when one of Dr Kaunda's seven lawyers collapsed.
 

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