Mugabe consoles Masire family

President Robert Mugabe has paid his condolences to the Masire family following the death of former Botswana first lady, Mrs Olebile Masire.

Mrs Masire was wife to former president of Botswana, Ketimule Masire.

President Mugabe visited the Masire family in Kanye, Botswana this Monday and signed the book of condolences on behalf of the first family and the government of Zimbabwe before laying a wreath on the grave of Mrs Masire.

He was accompanied by the First Lady, Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and other senior government officials.

Consoling the family, Mugabe said he learnt of the death of Mrs Masire with shock as Botswana's former first family played a crucial role in the liberation of the SADC region.

President Mugabe said the late Mrs Masire and her husband built a strong bond with Zimbabwe which should be cherished forever.

"Beyond the relations of the two countries, the personal relations we built were so great that we became more like brother and brother, while our wives became like sister and sister. So when we heard of the passing on of Mrs Masire, it was shocking and we felt we should not just pay our condolences in words but to come here to see the family," said President Mugabe.

He also thanked Botswana President Ian Khama for the good reception.

President Mugabe and his delegation have since returned home this Monday evening and were welcomed at the Harare International Airport by Vice President Joice Mujuru, service chiefs and other senior government officials.