Zanu PF politburo member Oppah Muchinguri has confirmed that her predecessor as the party’s Women’s League boss, First Lady Grace Mugabe, is out of the country seeking medical treatment, as speculation over her absence from the public scene continues to grow.
by PRIVILEGE SHOKO
In an interview, Muchinguri said there was nothing wrong with Grace going out of the country for check-ups.
“The First Lady is a human being like any other person and just because she is the First Lady people talk,” she said.
“There is nothing wrong with her going out of the country for check-ups.”
Grace, who has been ever present at her husband’s side, has been conspicuous by her absence from public functions and President Robert Mugabe’s foreign trips, setting tongues wagging.
So far, the government has not said anything about Grace’s absence, but Muchinguri’s statement confirmed that the First Lady was unwell and was out of the country.
Early this year, Mugabe said his wife had an appendix operation, but this explanation was increasingly tenuous, as medical doctors described it as a simple procedure that could not be the reason for her continued trips to Asia for treatment.
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On his way to Japan, Mugabe passed through Singapore. Other sources claim Grace could be in Dubai, where her son is studying at the American University, where she was reportedly being treated.
Grace, who dominated Zimbabwe’s political scene late last year soon after being nominated to lead the Zanu PF Women’s League, has not made a public appearance since March 8, when she officiated at International Women’s Day commemorations, fuelling speculation that she could be facing serious health problems.
In January, Grace was forced to remain in Singapore after the First Family’s annual holiday, as Mugabe returned home alone.
Grace has missed several local and regional meetings and functions, where her husband was a guest.
Sources said Mugabe could pass through to Asia to see Grace before returning home from Algeria.
