Mugabe stops in Singapore for medical attention

via Mugabe stops in Singapore for medical attention – The Zimbabwe Independent September 12, 2014

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe (90), stopped over in Singapore for a medical check-up on his way from a week-long China trip, the Zimbabwe Independent has learnt.

Top government sources said Mugabe took advantage of the China trip to go to Singapore where he was attended to by his doctors.

“Those travelling with the president had to wait for him for close to four hours in Singapore as he was undergoing his routine check-ups,” said a top government official.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, confirmed the stop-over although he claimed it was to refuel.

“We went to Singapore for refuelling. You cannot fly from China to Zimbabwe without refuelling,” Charamba said.

Mugabe has been battling with complications associated with old age and has in the past flown to Singapore for cataract treatments.

His visits to the south-eastern Asian state have become more frequent over the last few years.

During his last trip in May this year, a United Kingdom broadcasting station, Channel 4, released a video showing Mugabe entering an expensive private hospital, Gleneagles Parkway Cancer Centre, which is well-known for offering state-of-the-art eye and cancer treatment facilities.

His wife Grace unsuccessfully tried to stop journalists from filming Mugabe’s entrance.

While pacing back and forth in the reception area, Grace could be heard saying: “You shouldn’t take photos! Why are you taking photos?”