Mugabe’s sister Bridget dies
By Staff Reporter
HARARE – President Robert Mugabe’s only surviving sister Bridget Mugabe died Sunday day morning at Parirenyatwa Hospital, family members have confirmed.
Bridget collapsed at the burial of her sister Sabina at the National Heroes Acre in 2010 and was admitted at Parirenyatwa Hospital. She had been in the intensive care unit at the health centre for over three years while in a coma.
Family spokesman Kaitano Mugabe, confirmed Bridget’s passing saying “We are yet to meet as a family but it is true that she has left us.” Bridget was Mugabe’s only surviving sibling.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe continues to be in frenzied speculation over Mugabe’s health. 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.
In a subsequent interview with Nehanda Radio several weeks ago Baba Jukwa said “There is so much cover-up by the intelligence at present but please do understand I never said Mugabe has died. I only give you the facts as I see and hear them.”
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.
Mugabe’s uncharacteristic silence since he arrived has prompted a wave of messages on social media networks speculating about a turn for the worse in his health, or even his death. The tragic death of his sister provides an opportunity for him to come out in public and quash the speculation.
