Ailing Mugabe filmed at sister’s memorial slumped on sofa

HARARE – An ailing President Robert Mugabe has been filmed at State House during his late sister Bridget Mugabe’s memorial on Sunday, dispelling rumours swirling around that the 89 year old had died. Slumped in a sofa President Mugabe followed proceedings alongside his wife.

The memorial was also attended by Vice-President Joice Mujuru, Minister of State in the President’s office Didymus Mutasa, Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa, a relative of the President, Defence Minister Sidney Sekeramayi, security service chiefs, Mashonaland Central governor Martin Dinha, businessman Philip Chiyangwa and a host of family members.

President Robert Mugabe’s only surviving sister Bridget died Sunday after almost four years in coma. She was 79. Bridget collapsed at the burial of her sister Sabina at the National Heroes Acre in 2010 and was admitted at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Last month anonymous Facebook activist Baba Jukwa claimed Mugabe’s health had deteriorated and he had suffered a collapse.

According to state media reports Mugabe returned home Friday (11 January) from Singapore where he spent part of his annual leave. But to reinforce its story the Herald newspaper proceeded to use a fake picture.

The paper used a picture of Mugabe returning from the AU summit in Addis Ababa in January 2013. This continued to fuel speculation about the health of the Zanu PF leader who turns 90 next month and has been in power for nearly 34 years.

Mugabe’s spokesman George Charamba, who is also the Permanent Secretary for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, insists Mugabe is well and completing his annual leave at his Borrowdale home. Vice President Joice Mujuru continues as Acting President until President Mugabe’s leave is over.